Novak Djokovic was far from his fluent best but the defending champion did enough to beat Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in straights sets and move safely into the second round at Wimbledon.
Djokovic was playing his first competitive match since his shock French Open final defeat to Stan Wawrinka just over three weeks ago and there were certainly signs of rust from the world No 1.
Kohlschreiber, however, was too generous at the crucial moments on Centre Court and Djokovic was able to seal a 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory.
Novak Djokovic holds his arms aloft after claiming a straight-sets win against Philipp Kohlschreiber
The world No 1 pumps his fist in celebration after beating the German 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the first round
Djokovic returns a stinging forehand on his way to a first round win against Philipp Kohlschreiber
The world No 1 won in straight sets against the German ranked 33 in the world on Centre Court on Monday
The Australian Open champion stretches to reach a forehand on his way to victory against Kohlschreiber
There will certainly be tougher tests to come if he is to claim a third Wimbledon title, but Djokovic will be relieved to overcome a potentially tricky opponent in Kohlschreiber, who took Roger Federer to a final set tie-break before losing in Halle earlier this month.
The world No 33 caused Djokovic problems with his devilish slice backhand and he had three break points in the seventh game of the first set but was unable to capitalise, with the first drifting away after a close review.
Djokovic was more clinical, as two Kohlschreiber double faults allowed him to break in the 10th game and sneak the first set.
There were plenty of loose shots from the Australian Open champion, with a number of backhands flying long and simple forehands finding the net, but again Djokovic raised his level just when he needed to.
Philipp Kohlschreiber put up a stubborn resistance but the world No 1 was ultimately too strong
Djokovic's coach Boris Becker watches on with a stern face as the World No 1 wins in straight sets
Leading 5-4, he produced an exquisite lob and a superb backhand pass before breaking Kohlschreiber again to take a two-set advantage.
The third set followed a similar pattern as Kohlschreiber's serve continued to let him down under pressure and Djokovic broke to secure a comfortable win in just over two hours.
There was a short break in play during the first set as Djokovic was confronted by a small bird on the court
The Serb, with a smile on his face, ushers the bird away using his racket before resuming play on
One Directioner Niall Horan fixes his hair as he watches Djokovic on Centre Court
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