Defending champion Novak Djokovic began his quest for a fourth successive Wimbledon title with a hard-fought four-set win over South Korean Kwon Soon-woo under the Centre Court roof.
Djokovic is aiming to win a seventh title at SW19, which would take him one behind Roger Federer’s men’s record.
Serbia’s top seed prevailed 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-4 over the world number 81.
Elsewhere, Polish seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz suffered a shock five-set loss to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
The Spaniard won 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 5-7 2-6 7-6 (10-8) as Hurkacz, who beat Daniil Medvedev and Roger Federer on his way to the semi finals at Wimbledon last year, blew a 7-4 lead in the final-set tie-break.
Djokovic’s win takes the former world number one’s victory streak at Wimbledon to 22 matches.
It also means Djokovic becomes the first player, man or woman, to record 80 singles wins at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
“I’ve said this before but this court is truly special, for me it has always been the court I dreamed of playing and winning and all my childhood dreams came true here so it’s an honour and pleasure to be back on Centre Court,” said Djokovic.
On winning 80 matches at Wimbledon, he added: “This sport has given me everything, I owe a lot to the sport and I love it still with all my heart.
“I am as dedicated as anyone out there, I am not one of the youngsters anymore but the love for this sport still burns in me and I try to always play my best tennis at the Grand Slams and deliver my best tennis at the best courts. Now that we’re at 80, let’s get to 100.”
BBC Sport
