Defending champion Novak Djokovic began his bid for a fifth Wimbledon title with a double fault and a drop of serve, but still secured a straight-sets victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber.
The world number one, widely expected to enjoy another trouble-free run to this year’s final, was given a stern examination by 35-year-old German Kohlschreiber.
But Djokovic, opening proceedings on Centre Court, recovered from the early blip to run out a 6-3 7-5 6-3 winner.
After blotting his copy book in game one, order was restored as Djokovic broke straight back, and he repeated the trick on his way to taking the first set in 38 minutes.
No grass court preparations, no problem 🌱@DjokerNole defeats Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 to progress to the second round at #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/lLJKnIkits — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2019
The second set began in identical fashion, Kohlschreiber breaking the Djokovic serve only to immediately drop his own.
Kohlschreiber, who beat Djokovic earlier this year in Indian Wells, fended off three break points to hold for 4-4, but the 15-time grand-slam winner stepped up a notch and found a way through at the end of the set.
It was a valiant effort from Kohlschreiber, but as Djokovic settled into the match suddenly points against his serve were becoming increasingly scarce.
The 32-year-old cranked up the pressure and two breaks from 3-3 in the third ensured he prevailed in just over two hours to set up a meeting with American world number 111 Denis Kudla in round two.
How does he get to this? 🤸♂️ In his first round match, defending #Wimbledon champion @DjokerNole was at his brilliant best… pic.twitter.com/pdKn9PcxOJ — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2019
It was a maiden victory for Djokovic since he added former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic to his coaching team.
Djokovic, who has previously worked with Boris Becker, said: “I called Goran and asked him whether he’s available to come to Wimbledon and sort of give it a try, and have a little bit of a trial type of tournament where we get to know each other and see how it works.
“He’s a grand-slam champion, a top player for many years. I looked up to him because everyone from the region was supporting him when he was playing. He was kind of a hero of mine.
“It was a very successful period with Boris. We’re hoping we can have the same with Goran.”
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