Novak Djokovic admitted to feeling his ‘absolute worst’ on court until the doctor’s ‘miracle pills’ restored eased a stomach issue and helped him fight past Alexandre Muller in four sets.

The first round clash was delicately poised at one set each when Djokovic asked for the doctor following the third game of the third set.

Muller had just taken a 2-1 lead with the set on serve when Djokovic explained an issue he was having in his stomach. The Serb attempted to stretch out his stomach muscles and ease some slight swelling when he was given the tablets by the medical professional.

“I think I served very well today, that’s one of the things I’ve been working on. Grass is the fastest surface we have in the sport so when you get a lot of points on the first serve it makes your life easier.

“I think first, third and fourth sets that was the case and I put pressure on his service games. Overall a lot of positives to take from today and into the next round.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I had a chance [to win the tournament]. I think I always have a chance and have earned my right to feel that I can go all the way to the title.

“I’ve had arguably the most consistent success in any grand slam here at Wimbledon in the last decade. The last editions I’ve played six finals.

“I’ve always enjoyed myself playing on this court, except when I’ve played Alcaraz the last couple of years, apart from that it was great.

“It is just the beginning of the tournament. There are many fantastic players in the draw. I look forward it, I always felt grass is the surface where I play my best tennis so why not do it again?”

Djokovic revealed he has been struggling with a stomach issue and needed some of the doctor’s ‘miracle pills’ to ease the pain and restore some energy.

He said: "I struggled with that but the energy kicked back after some doctor’s miracle pills and I managed to finish the match on a good note.

“I honestly wasn’t thinking about that [retiring from the match] or taking that as an option. I knew that something is off with the stomach so hopefully when that comes down the energy will come back - that’s what happened.

“Credit to Alex [Muller} for playing some really good tennis. He fought in the second set and deserves a round of applause for the battle.”

"It’s great to be back in Wimbledon and obviously I have to say that first and acknowledge the sacredness of this court.

“This tournament has always meant a lot to me and to many other players, it’s a childhood dream so I never take stepping out on this court for granted.

"I enjoyed myself, obviously a bit less in the second set but I went from feeling my absolute best for a set and a half to my absolute worst for about 45 minutes, whether it was a stomach bug, I don’t know what it is.”

"It's great to finish tonight especially before the curfew, I want to thank everyone for staying this late, thank you for the support.

“It was an amazing atmosphere especially after the roof was closed, it was very loud. Thanks for spending a Tuesday evening with us, hopefully you enjoyed it.”

Alexandre Muller 1-6 7-6 (9-7) 2-6 2-6 Novak Djokovic

It was hard work but Novak Djokovic gets the job done. A final service game to love sends him through to the second round.

Djokovic has now won 40 of his last 42 matches at Wimbledon.

Dan Evans will now face Djokovic in the next round. What a fixture for the Brit.

Alexandre Muller 1-6 7-6 (9-7) 2-6 2-5 Novak Djokovic*

Muller has to hold here. It’s now at that time where any mistake will be costly.

A rally of slices ends with the Frenchman pinging a forehand into the net and sending Djokovic ahead.

The Serb doubles his lead after an error at the net from Muller as he sends a cross court volley into the tape.

Muller scores a point but pushes a backhand too long and gives the game to Djokovic. He breaks for a second time in the set.

*Alexandre Muller 1-6 7-6 (9-7) 2-6 2-4 Novak Djokovic

Wimbledon has a curfew of 11pm which is usually strictly enforced.

Djokovic has control of the set and needs three more games to win the match.

He’s quickly up to 30-0 in this service game but gifts a point to Muller by pushing a backhand well wide of court.

Muller then fires a backhand into the net and Djokovic holds serve.

Alexandre Muller 1-6 7-6 (9-7) 2-6 2-3 Novak Djokovic*

Djokovic has another break point but an aggressive rally from Muller means he can’t take it and the game goes to deuce.

With Muller at advantage, Djokovic blazes a brilliant backhand down the line to keep the game alive.

Boy, he wants a second break.

He won’t get one! A forehand goes wide and Muller holds.