Novak Djokovic admitted he even surprised himself as he blasted out of the blocks to get the defence of his Wimbledon title off to a flying start.

He looked in danger of completing the first match on centre court in record time as he swept through the first set and a half without dropping a game to local favourite James Ward.

The London cabbie’s son rallied to take the second set to a tie-break, but there was never the slightest doubt about the outcome as Djokovic made light of having had minimal competitive practise on grass ahead of the event.

“Well, I honestly didn't expect myself to start that well,” said the Serb, who currently holds all four Grand Slam titles..

“Nine games in a row, 6 0, 3 0. I think it was just a matter of time when James will win his first game. I knew that the reaction of the crowd and his own reaction, would be the way it was.

“Obviously as a home player he enjoyed a lot of support today, especially when he won his first game. That's when the energy kind of shifted on his side. He felt huge relief obviously winning the first game.

“On the other hand I maybe dropped the concentration a little bit and the second set was quite close.

“Maybe I could have capitalised on some opportunities at love 30, love 40, but credit to him for serving well.

“I think that made the difference for him the second part of the second set. Also most of the third set in important moments he managed to hit some good angles with the first serves, but, you know, the first part of the match was almost flawless, so I'm very pleased with the way I started Wimbledon.”

Ward ultimately drew some comfort from having proved that, as he put it: “Everyone is human.”

The Englishman had consulted his Davis Cup team-mate Andy Murray ahead of the match and felt that had proven useful.

“I spoke to him last night on the phone for a little while. He was good,” he said.

“I'm not going to give away what he said. Probably a few tactics that he uses.

“The basis was, You've got to try and take those chances when they come. He moves great. Try and get the crowd involved and get things on your side. Just be attacking.”

Meanwhile, having safely negotiated his way around the court, Djokovic shot down press reports that he had been banned from riding his bicycle around the All England Club after being involved in an accident.

“They told me about that small article that went into papers. There is no truth to that,” he said.

“Actually I did come few days in the beginning of the week before Wimbledon with my bicycle. I was asked for my own safety not to arrive with the bicycle inside of the All England Club territory... but I did not have any kind of truck or supply vehicle accident or something like that that was mentioned in the papers. Not even close, no. Thankfully.”