Wimbledon 2017: Novak Djokovic finds some form as he eases his way past Adam Pavlasek to reach the third round

Djokovic won 6-2 6-2 6-1 in little over an hour and a half

The former World No 1 is through to the third round of Wimbledon (Getty )

Former world No 1 John McEnroe had warned on Wednesday that Novak Djokovic was at risk of going “off the rails” like Tiger Woods - but there were no signs of such self-destruction here on No.1 Court as the Serbian eased his way past Adam Pavlasek to reach the third round of Wimbledon.

Winning 6-2, 6-2, 6-1, Djokovic was at his authoritative best against the plucky but ultimately inferior Czech - and immediately hit back at McEnroe in the wake of victory as he questioned why the American had spoken out in the first place.

"He's very well known for his kind of bold comments and not really caring too much about being politically correct but saying whatever is on his mind," the Serbian said in his post-match press conference.

​"He has his right to say the things he wants to say. I don't necessarily need to agree with that. But it's his right.

"So I don't know where was the basis, and he was just maybe making a comparison. I'm not really sure."

Having been denied the opportunity to whet his Wimbledon appetite in the first round, after Martin Klizan pulled out with an injury in the second set, the world No 4 was treated to three full sets of tennis on Thursday afternoon in which he showcased some of his finest shots.

To the thousands of fans who had braved the scorching midday sun to watch the match unfold, the Serbian put on a show.

Emphatic forehand strokes, mesmerising drop shots and punishing first-serves, Djokovic made swift work of his opponent, claiming victory in 1hr and 33 mins.

Although the Serbian remains far from his best - inconsistent baseline shots and poor decision-making hampered his play at times - this was certainly a step in the right direction.

“It was a very warm, very hot day,” he said. “It wasn’t easy to play point after point in the long rallies, but overall, from the very beginning, I was able to find my rhythm and impose the game I intended to play.”

He added: “I felt very good today in terms of my game and where it was from the beginning till the end. So [I've got to] just keep going in the right direction.

“I’m already enjoying the process very much. I mean, especially in the last couple of months. Even though maybe results haven't been up to the standard that I have had in the last seven, eight years, it's just in order to reach a new peak, you have to, I guess, fold a little bit in some way."

Djokovic is showing signs of returning to his best (Getty)

It was strong start from Djokovic who wrapped up the first set in 30 breathless minutes. Breaking his opponent in the opening game of the match, it was a sign of what was to come.

The Serbian quickly rushed to 2-0, with his powerful serve providing a solid platform from which to dominate his opponent, but Pavlasek held in the next game to give his fans something to cheer about.

At 3-1, the youngster was at risk of being broken once again but refused to roll over this time round. With Djokovic committed to the net following a weak drop shot, Pavlasek seized his chance to stroke the ball into the space behind and take the match to 3-2.

But Djokovic’s confidence was surging as he pulled ahead and in the seventh game he had the crowd chuckling in delight after volleying a dead ball in the direction of a ball boy, crouched unsuspectingly beneath the glare of the Chair umpire.

Pavlasek was plucky but couldn't match Djokovic for skill (Getty)

It was a moment of swagger that summed up the game, the set and the match as a whole for Djokovic who, for the first time in months, looked to be thoroughly enjoying himself.

The second set followed in similar fashion to the first, though Pavlasek held in the opening game this time round after pulling off a perfectly-weighted lob-shot that landed teasingly on the baseline.

Pavlasek certainly gave his all, with his own impressive serves and assertive forehands down the line keeping the Serbian on his toes, but the gulf in class was clear to see.

The Czech looked to have the better of Djokovic in the third game of the second set after exchanging a quick flurry of drop shots, but it was the latter who game out on top with a reaching cross-court slice that landed well out of reach of an awe-struck Pavlesk.

Defiant but overwhelmed, the 22-year-old went on to win only two more games of the entire match. He came close to breaking Djokovic on his first time of asking in the fourth game of the third set but the Serbian fought back emphatically to hold serve.

From there, it was a matter of minutes as the three-time Wimbledon champion added the finishing touches to an encouraging performance on No.1 Court. On the back of today’s win, it certainly looks like there’s more to come from the former world No 1.