Some facts about James Ward ahead of his Wimbledon clash against Vasek Pospisil

James Ward ground his way past Jiri Vesely on Thursday to ensure Great Britain boasts two men in Wimbledon's third round for the first time since 2002.

Ward, who benefited from the pre-tournament withdrawal of world No 8 David Ferrer, who had been his scheduled first round opponent, next faces Canada's Vasek Pospisil.

The 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-3 victory on a sun-baked Court Two moved Ward into the top 100 and meant Britain had more than one man in Wimbledon's third round for the first time in 13 years.

Here, we outline some fascinating facts about the 28-year-old Londoner.

Londoner Ward is a proud Arsenal fan, even advising boss Arsene Wenger to sign a "big-name striker" this summer following his first-round victory at Wimbledon this week.

Ward's father Jim is a London taxi driver, and underwent successful surgery to remove a brain tumour in 2007.

Ward spent time hitting with Rafael Nadal in Mallorca in 2009 thanks to his former Spanish coach Toni Colom.

Ward has excelled in Davis Cup action for Britain, beating world No 17 John Isner in a team victory over the USA earlier this year.

Ward only earned his first Davis Cup place after an unofficial play-off in 2009, where one match against Chris Eaton lasted almost seven hours.

Ward currently trains at the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, but spent four years at the Equelite Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Villena near Valencia.

Ward has previously had former British star Greg Rusedski as a part-time member of his coaching staff.