Novak Djokovic begins Wimbledon defense with easy win

World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic eased past wild card James Ward 6-0, 7-6 (3), 6-4 in the first round of Wimbledon on Monday.

The 29-year-old Serbian beat Ward of Great Britain in two hours and three minutes on the opening day at the All England Club. Djokovic had the honor of opening play on Centre Court as the men's defending champion.

"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 after the match. "It's really special to feel this tradition and history, to come back to the cradle of our sport. It was a wonderful experience."

Roger Federer, owner of seven Wimbledon titles and 17 major championships overall, did not have an easy time in the first round but the 34-year-old Swiss beat 52nd-ranked Guido Pella of Argentina 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Federer, the No. 3 seed, missed the French Open, withdrawing before the tournament began last month because …