Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were among the high-profile players to avoid Wimbledon shocks on a day full of upsets.
Djokovic required medical attention during his victory over Alexandre Muller, who he eventually beat 6-1, 6-7(7-9), 6-2, 6-2.
ATP number two Alcaraz was also put to the test before grinding out a 7-5, 6-7(5-7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win over Fabio Fognini.
Alcaraz loved his battle with Fognini, whose fellow Italian Sinner defeated another compatriot, Luca Nardi, 6-4, 6-3, 6-0.
Their Wimbledon victories come amid shock defeats for the likes of Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Lorenzo Musetti among others.
Tim Henman rates Novak Djokovic’s hopes on grass vs Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
Top seed Sinner now meets Aleksandar Vukic in round two, with Alcaraz and Djokovic facing British players Oliver Tarvet and Dan Evans respectively.
Former British number one Tim Henman discussed the trio in Djokovic’s opener, having commented on the Serbian’s ability on various surfaces during the second set of his meeting with Muller.
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Henman said on BBC One: “I think Novak Djokovic would still be able to beat the top two on a grass court.
Tim Henman says Novak Djokovic did something ‘strange’ in his Wimbledon opener
Of the current players on the ATP Tour, it is indeed Djokovic who has enjoyed the most success at Wimbledon.
He has seven titles to his name at SW19, and was denied a further two by Alcaraz in the 2023 and 2024 finals.
One more success at the All England Club would bring him level with Roger Federer, but that would likely involve getting past either Alcaraz or Sinner.
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The Italian is a potential semi-final opponent for the Serbian, with the Spaniard likely awaiting him in the final once again if he makes it that far.
And while Henman likes the veteran’s chances over the younger duo on grass, he did notice a weakness from Djokovic in his first round match.
Speaking after he lost the second set to the Frenchman, the Briton said: “Novak Djokovic certainly made some strange choices in that tie-break. He made three unforced errors off the sliced backhand and he serve-volleyed at 6-5.
“Credit where credit is due, Alexandre Muller’s body language, attitude and fighting spirit was absolutely exemplary in that second set.
“He saved all 11 break points and he was down 5-2 in the tie-break. How on earth has he won that set? Talk about winning the big points.”