Garbine Muguruza began the defence of her Wimbledon title with a straight-sets victory over Britain’s Naomi Broady.

The Spaniard was the queen of Centre Court in 2017, beating Venus Williams in the final, and she enjoyed her return there on Tuesday with a 6-2 7-5 success over the British No.4.

She made slightly hard work of it in the second set, but eventually got the job done in an hour and 30 minutes.

Two breaks of serve were enough as Muguruza barely broke sweat in the opening set, with Broady unable to match her precision.

Broady, once Britain’s No.2, showed resistance in the second set as she was determined to extend her stay on the main show court.

But there was a sense of inevitability about Muguruza breaking at 6-5, and she did to love, as she booked her place in the second round.

The 24-year-old Muguruza, who also won the French Open in 2016, was happy to return to Centre Court.

“It was incredible, it is a beautiful court, I am back and it is always good, I wanted to win and enjoy it more,” she said.

“I am happy with my serve and controlling the emotions, to be back in a grand slam is always emotional so I am happy the way I am playing.

“I knew she had a big serve and big shots and on grass it’s always difficult.”