Defending champion Andy Murray beat Belgium's David Goffin 6-1 6-4 7-5 in the first round at Wimbledon.
Much has changed since the glorious summer's day last July when Murray defeated Novak Djokovic to end Fred Perry's 77-year reign as the last British men's singles champion.
Murray chose to have back surgery last September, a decision that helped him move on from his Wimbledon triumph, and has not won a title or reached a final since.
Murray made light work of Goffin on Centre Court
He split from Ivan Lendl in March, and replacing his glowering presence in Murray's support camp was former Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo, his equally high-profile new coach.
But on the pristine court all was much the same as Murray quelled his nerves to ease into a 3-0 lead against Goffin, a talented but rather lightweight player ranked 104th.
Scotland Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and retired American basketball player Shaquille O'Neal were in the Royal Box, along with the Duke of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent.
Among the celebrities at the opening day of the tournament was comedian Jack Whitehall, who said he was hopeful Murray would give cause for sporting celebration following England's World Cup exit.
"As a Scotsman, I don't know if that's on his list of priorities," he joked.
Other celebrities at the All England Club were James Bond star Naomie Harris, who was one of those heading to Centre Court via the Evian Live Young VIP Suite, along with actor Douglas Booth, Whitehall and Mobo winner Laura Mvula.
It was love-all for Sophie Ellis Bextor, who brought along husband Richard Jones, Ellie Goulding and new boyfriend Dougie Poynter, Jesse Metcalfe and his date Cara Santana, and Pixie Lott and her boyfriend Oliver Cheshire.
Joely Richardson was another star taking in the action, while Kathleen Turner swapped the West End stage for a spot in the audience.
Also in attendance were presenter TV Jameela Jamil, Game Of Thrones star Natalie Dormer, and actor and model Jamie Campbell Bower.