Marin Cilic is hoping to use the Fever-Tree Championship as a launching pad for a tilt at next month’s Wimbledon.

The top seed, runner-up in 2017, got off to a winning start after beating Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3 6-4 at Queen’s Club.

Cilic came close at SW19 last year, losing to Roger Federer after suffering from bad blisters in the final.

And he hopes another lengthy run here will stand him in good stead for the All England Club.

“This year, it’s a new year, new season,” he said. “You start all over again. You can’t live on the glory from last year.

“You have to show that again, and hopefully this tournament is going to bring me back to the form, bring the memories of playing great.

“I’m pushing myself to get better and better every single match.

“It’s going to be interesting, definitely. The grass court season, it’s short but it’s sweet as well.”

Fever-Tree Championships – Day One – Queen’s Club
Marin Cilic beat Fernando Verdasco in straight sets at Queen’s (Steve Paston/PA)

Another big-name winner was three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka, who took British number two Cameron Norrie apart 6-2 6-3 in just 56 minutes.

Wawrinka, who spent six months of last year out after a double knee operation, suffered a first-round loss at the French Open last month which allowed him extra time to prepare on grass.

“I was really happy with the way I am playing on grass, the way I was playing points, the way I was moving,” he said.

“For me it’s a great start and I’m happy to play another match.

“I arrived here on Wednesday, was feeling good physically, so it was good to get a lot of tennis on the court.

“Every day is getting better and in general I’m happy with my level, with the way I’m doing on court.”

Sam Querrey, who was the last person to play Andy Murray last July, eased past British hopeful Jay Clarke.

The American’s big-serving game is suited to the grass and he proved too good for the wildcard, winning 6-3 6-3.

Another American with a big serve is out, though, after sixth seed Jack Sock was beaten by Daniil Medvedev.

The Russian prevailed 7-5 6-3 to increase his growing reputation.

Last year’s semi-finalist Gilles Muller was the first winner of the day, beating Denis Shapovalov in straight sets, winning 7-6 (9/7) 7-6 (8/6), while Frances Tiafoe won an all-American contest with Jared Donaldson 6-4 7-6 (7/4).

The majority of big guns kick off their campaign on Tuesday, with Grigor Dimitrov, Novak Djokovic, Kyle Edmund, David Goffin, Milos Raonic and defending champion Feliciano Lopez all in action.

Murray will also make his long-awaited return after an 11-month absence through injury when he takes on Nick Kyrgios.