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 No.1, 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.

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 No.111 Denis Kudla in round two.