Djokovic breezes into second round at Wimbledon

Second-seeded Novak Djokovic needed just 40 minutes to begin his quest for a fourth Wimbledon title on a positive note.

Djokovic advanced to the second round on Tuesday in London after his opponent, Martin Klizan of Slovakia, retired because of injury. The Serb was leading 6-3, 2-0 and up 30-0 in the third game when Klizan opted to end the match due to his ailing ankle.

“It was great to be back on Centre Court, the cathedral of tennis, where I have many special memories,” the 30-year-old Djokovic said. “It’s never nice to win like this, but I tried to focus on my game plan. I thought I served well, but didn’t do so well on my returns.”

Djovokic will face 22-year-old Czech Adam Pavlasek, who overcame dropping the first set to post a 6-7 (7), 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 victory over American Ernesto Escobedo in two hours, five minutes.

Sixth-seeded Milos Raonic recorded a 7-6 (5), 6-2, 7-6 (4) win over German Jan-Lennard Struff. The 26-year-old Raonic became the first Canadian male to reach a Grand Slam final when he advanced to face Andy Murray last year.

Other seeded winners on Tuesday included No. 15 Frenchman Gael Monfils, No. 25 Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain, No. 27 German Mischa Zverev and No. 29 Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina.

Richard Gasquet was not as fortunate as the No. 22 Frenchman fell in four sets to David Ferrer. The Spaniard posted a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 triumph.