Wimbledon: Djokovic avoids shock as Tsitsipas crashes out

Defending champion Novak Djokovic overcame an early fright to fend off British teenager Jack Draper and launch his quest for a sixth title at Wimbledon.

The first match on Centre Court since Djokovic's nailbiting victory over Roger Federer in the 2019 final - was classic David versus Goliath material.

The clash ended 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 in the Serb's favour.

It proved the perfect way to bring Centre Court back to life after the enforced silence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only 7,500 fans were permitted on Centre Court in line with the 50 per cent cap on attendance.

Elsewhere, American Frances Tiafoe dumped third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas out of the men's singles 6-4 6-4 6-3 as the Greek became the first big casualty on the opening day.

Tsitsipas, playing his first match since his French Open final defeat by Novak Djokovic on June 13, also went out in the opening round on his last appearance as seventh seed in the grasscourt tournament in 2019.

Tiafoe, ranked 57th in the world, broke serve in the opening game and it set the tone as Tsitsipas struggled against a confident and aggressive opponent in front of 6,000 fans on covered Court One.