Novak Djokovic needed just over two hours to get the defence of his Wimbledon title off to a winning start against Briton James Ward.

The world number one – fresh off the back of securing a career grand slam – did not have it all his own way, but ultimately he was too strong for his plucky opponent in a 6-0 7-6 (7-3) 6-4.

Roger Federer also had a challenging start to his tournament against Guido Pella, the Argentinian pushing the seven-time champion all the way before the Swiss broke his resolve in the third to win 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

The Brits enjoyed a mixed start as Alex Ward, Brydan Klein and Kyle Edmund fell at the first hurdle like James Ward, but there were big wins for Dan Evans – against Jan-Lennard Struff – and qualifier Marcus Willis.

While Willis celebrated with his fans after a memorable win over Ricardas Berankis, there were four seeds toppled from their perch.

Philipp Kohlschreiber was first to go, before being followed by Kevin Anderson, Gael Monfils and Pablo Cuevas.

ACES HIGH ON DAY ONE

An uninterrupted first day at the grand slam enabled 31 of the 32 matches in the men’s draw to be completed, and some of Monday’s players launched a tirade of aces.

Over the day, an astonishing 623 aces were recorded, with Sam Querrey top of the pile with 33 in his marathon five-setter against Lukas Rosol, the American coming from behind to win 6-7 (6-8) 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-2 12-10.

Kevin Anderson (28), Milos Raonic (27) and Ivo Karlovic (26) were also high on aces, while Federer added 12.

DJOKOVIC BRIMMING WITH CONFIDENCE

The rest of the men’s draw should be worried, very worried. Djokovic made a comfortable start to his campaign as he brushed aside James Ward, and the defending champion already feels settled.

Ward put his illustrious opponent under pressure in the second, but Djokovic was never truly tested and he was elated with his opening gambit at the All England Club.

“I honestly didn’t expect myself to start that well,” said Djokovic. “It was just a matter of time when James would win his first game.

“I knew that the reaction of the crowd, and his own reaction, would be the way it was. The first part of the match was almost flawless, so I’m very pleased with the way I started.”

WILLIS BOOSTS THE BRITS

Five months after nearly quitting tennis, British qualifier Willis sent the home crowd wild on Court 17 as he knocked out Berankis.

Willis – ranked 772 in the world and 23 in Great Britain – was ready to end his tennis career in January but he persevered and reaped the rewards on Monday with a 6-3 6-3 6-4 win.

The qualifier earned the praise from British number one Andy Murray after his success, and he may want to get some tips from his countryman ahead of a second-round clash with Federer.

FEDERER READY FOR INTRIGUING WILLIS TEST

Some players may be wary of facing an unknown qualifier on home soil with the support of the local crowd, but not Federer. The third seed is relishing the chance to come up against the big story of day one after sealing his second-round place.

“I was very intrigued about his story, it is what our sport needs, where guys come from nowhere,” he told BBC Sport. “We have had a hard time producing those players and I am really looking forward to playing him, couldn’t be more excited.

“It is a huge moment for him I am still on way back as well, his story unbelievable and it just shows depth of men’s tennis.”