WIMBLEDON, England — Last year's Wimbledon men's finalists both advanced to the second round on the opening day of this year's tournament.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic was first on Centre Court on Monday, as is tradition at the All England Club. He beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 in the first round.
''It's a sacred court, the cradle of our sport for sure,'' four-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic said in the tunnel after walking off the grass. ''It has a very special place in my heart, in my career as well.
''I've been blessed to be very successful on this court over the years so every time I step on it memories come back and a great feeling.