Dudi Sela, the 33-year-old Israeli, made a solid start against Rafael Nadal but was eventually ground down in straight sets by the former Men's Singles champion.
Nadal, 32, won the first two sets 6-3 before stepping up a gear to cruise to victory in the third set 6-2.
Reflecting on the match, Sela told JC Sport: "I was a bit nervous, my first time on Centre Court,” remarked the Israeli. “It’s tough to play the first match on grass against Nadal on this prestigious court.
"I hadn’t played for one month and I came into the match with an injured wrist. I came here hoping for a good draw because I know I can play well here on the grass.”
Sela was praised for his performance by BBC commentator and former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker. "Sela has got a good all-round game," said Becker on the BBC's liveblog. "He can hit the ball well, not afraid to come in and slice. Just the consistency that is lacking. And maybe a little bit of power."
Meanwhile, Nadal, who won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, admitted there was still "room to improve" but was happy to advance.
"After a while without playing on grass, it's very important to start with a straight victory," he said.
"I went to the net a couple of times, later in the third set I served worse, but in general terms I served well."
Diego Schwartzman raced into the second round after dispatching Mirza Basic in one hour and 30 minutes.
Schwartzman, from Argentina, was originally ranked 15 but moved up a place before the start of the grand slam and showed his quality in a 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 victory.
