Wimbledon 2022: The familiar trudge, the usual contortions, the customary cursing … Wimbledon was back and so was Murray

The overnight queues were back. The sold-out signs were back. The rain was back and, when the clouds had been chased away with time-honoured Wimbledon efficiency, Andy Murray was back.

What joy to be at the All England Club after two Covid-disrupted years and bear witness once again to the all Scotland legend wielding a racket like a walloping great cudgel.

He was the last man standing at the end of a busy day in SW19, needing Centre Court’s lights and roof before he could see off the plucky Australian James Duckworth. But you kind of knew that would be the case. There was mild alarm - and an opening set conceded - before he prevailed 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. But you probably guessed that, too.

Afterwards, and with America’s John Isner next in the second round, a delighted Murray said: “It was amazing to be back playing on front of a full crowd. Obviously I’m getting on now and I don’t know how many more opportunities there will be for me but I intend to make the most of them.”

After no tournament at the height of the pandemic and severely restricted crowds last year, Wimbledon was looking very much like its old self, although there have been some changes. The umpire was presiding from a swankier chair which will surely bring sighs of regret from the traditionalists. The ballboys and girls were sporting stripes (ditto). And at just gone 6.30pm Murray, the two-times champ, and Duckworth, a 30-year-old Sydney native, entered the arena direct from the clubhouse through new double-doors. Before this innovation had come into being there was speculation about it possibly having borrowed from some TV talent shows. But there was no dry ice, no Stars in Their Eyes archway, even though the players glimpsed in outline behind the frosted