Dynamic Duo: Serena Williams and Andy Murray mix it up with a 6-4, 6-1 doubles win

WIMBLEDON, Engla nd (AP) -- The two former singles champions easily won their opening mixed doubles match, beating Andreas Mies and Alexa Guarchi 6-4, 6-1 on Centre Court.

The high-profile duo was met with a loud ovation as they walked on for Murray's first match on Centre Court since 2017. The two-time men's champion missed last year's tournament with an injury and is only playing doubles at the moment after having surgery on his hip.

"It worked out well. We've never played together so it's always a learning curve," Williams said. "We take it very serious, so that's why we're in it."

It was the second match of the day for both players. Williams beat Julia Goerges in the third round of the singles tournament, while Murray and partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert lost in men's doubles.

They will play 14th-seeded Fabrice Martin and Raquel Atawo in the second round.