On Wednesday the six-time champion needed exactly two hours on Centre Court to dispatch Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia in straight-sets.

Djokovic had no trouble in dispatching the Australian with a 6-1, 6-4, and 6-2 win.

Djokovic said he was happy with the win in trying conditions. “I’m really blessed to be here,” said the defending champion.

“It was a very high-quality performance. I started off very well, very solid from the back of the court and made him work for every point where I managed to get his serve back in play.

“I tried to work him round the court and bring a lot of variety.

“I’m quite pleased with the way I’ve raised my level of tennis in two days.

“Hopefully I can keep that trajectory going as the tournament progresses.”

Meanwhile, the third seed from Norway, Casper Ruud, was knocked out by Ugo Humbert of France. Humbert took the game 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 and 6-4.

In the ladies singles the 2017 champion, Garbine Muguruza of Spain, was eliminated after losing 6-4 and 6-0 to Greet Minnen of Belgium.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport