Djokovic Successfully Opens Bid For Wimbledon Title

By ESPN

Novak Djokovic won the first nine games, then held firm the rest of the way as he opened his bid for a third straight Wimbledon title and fifth straight Grand Slam championship with a straight-sets win over Britain's James Ward on Monday.

In keeping with tradition, Djokovic played the first match on Centre Court as the men's defending champion, and he came through 6-0, 7-6 (3), 6-4 in just over two hours to extend his Grand Slam winning streak to 29 matches.

"This is probably the most unique experience in tennis playing as the defending champion in Wimbledon -- untouched grass, first match, 1 o'clock Monday," Djokovic said. "It's really special to feel this tradition and history, to come back to the cradle of our sport. It was a wonderful experience."

Djokovic holds all four Grand Slam titles. Having won the Australian Open and French Open, he's also seeking to become the first man to win the first three legs of a calendar-year Grand Slam since Rod Laver swept all four majors in 1969.

Djokovic looked right back at home Monday as he ran off the first nine games against Ward, ranked 177th in the world and granted a wild-card entry into the grass-court Grand Slam.

"Not much to say about my game, it was really flawless, I felt great," Djokovic said of the early going.

Williams Sisters Gear Up For Olympics

The top American women have more on their minds than navigating the grass at the All England Club.

Shortly after a tense 7-6 (3), 6-4 opening-round win against Donna Vekic, Venus Williams shifted her focus to the Olympic Games in Rio.

Recently, a great deal of attention has been directed toward Venus and sister Serena's doubles preparation.

"Yeah, I mean, we've started playing a few matches," Venus said after her match Monday. "We're back in action, which is great news for us. We'll have a chance to really continue to get better. Our goal is to peak in Rio. But both of us on the court is a good combination any time."

The sisters, who have won 13 Grand Slam doubles champions, have secured three gold medals together. In 2012, they topped the podium in London, four years after triumphing in Beijing. In 2000, they won in Sydney.

Venus and Serena have played only two events together this season (2-2 record) but have entered the Wimbledon draw, which will commence later this week.

"Yeah, I think, you know, qualify for the Olympics, [has been] my goal since the Olympics ended in 2012," Venus said. "That's pretty much where I stand."