If you are a true tennis fan, then this is a moment you have long been waiting for. It’s the Grand Slam return of the legendary Roger Federer following a lengthy period away through injury. The Swiss Maestro kicks off his RG campaign against qualifier, Denis Istomin. The players are due on Chatrier shortly.

FEDERER 6-2 3-1 ISTOMIN. Denis continues to be flummoxed by the variety and vision of his opponent. Federer backs up the break with a hold to 15 and is clearly enjoying himself out on Chatrier.

BREAK! - FEDERER 6-2 2-1 ISTOMIN. Oh dear. Federer is playing well enough without Istomin handing him presents. It’s a break to love and the qualifier will be very disappointed with how little resistance he has offered.

FEDERER 6-2 1-1 ISTOMIN. This scribe can confirm that it remains a joy to watch Federer majestically move, nay, dance around the court. It’s like tennis ballet at times with his shot-making wowing the crowd over and over again. He finishes with a wicked deep slice, completely wrong-footing Istomin who thought he was shaping for another drop shot. The Swiss has been one step ahead so far this afternoon.

FEDERER 6-2 0-1 ISTOMIN. It’s a mixed bag from Denis with a wild backhand error and some difficulty defending Federer’s low slice causing him to fight hard to fend off four break points. He manages to do so with clutch play off the serve and forehand to avoid another instant setback and earn the scoreboard advantage.

SET! - FEDERER 6-2 ISTOMIN. That is some way to announce your return to the Grand Slam stage. A sixth ace and a deep wide delivery see Federer serve it out to 30 and take a one-sided opener in just 22 minutes.

BREAK! - FEDERER 5-2 ISTOMIN. This is top-class tennis from Federer. He hits back from 30-0 down by bewitching Istomin with a couple of drop shots. He shows no signs of any rustiness with the knee – or for the age of 39 – as he chases down a pick-up from his opponent to guide the ball down the line from a position far on his right. Istomin coughs up a BP with shocker of a timid slice that barely makes the net. Federer then punishes him by charging into the net to lash a clinical pass beyond him. The Swiss Maestro will now serve for the set.

FEDERER 4-2 ISTOMIN. Wow, that’s just sensational. Federer takes a step back and plays a forehand drop shot from deep that completely bamboozles Istomin. It’s a delightful way to cap a perfect hold. The 2009 RG champion has barely put a foot wrong so far.

FEDERER 3-2 ISTOMIN. Well, that went by in a blur. Istomin rushes through a love hold to stay firmly in touch.

FEDERER 3-1 ISTOMIN. Federer is serving well and varying the height and spin on his shots. He seems to be enjoying being back on court of this size again after a couple of lower level outings since his comeback.

FEDERER 2-1 ISTOMIN. The world number 204 from Uzbekistan gets himself on the board with a hold to 30.

FEDERER 2-0 ISTOMIN. It’s like he’s never been off the big stage. Federer looks fleet-footed and is striking the ball beautifully early doors. He finally misses with a forehand just long at 40-0 but follows up with a big, wide serve to consolidate with ease.

BREAK! - FEDERER 1-0 ISTOMIN. That’s the perfect start for the Swiss! It’s all about Istomin to begin with as he sandwiches an ace with a pair of double faults. Fed finally gets to play and delights the crowd with a sublime crosscourt drop shot before claiming an instant break with a swashbuckling forehand winner.

Istomin will serve first.

There are HUGE cheers for Federer as the players arrive on court.

We've already had plenty of surprises this year. On Day 1, former French Open finalist Dominic Thiem was dumped out of Roland Garros and Eurosport's Mats Wilander could not believe it.

Great news for GB fans as Cam Norrie makes round two.

H2H: This will be their eighth meeting with Federer winning the previous seven. They last locked horns at the 2019 Australian Open when Fed-Ex triumphed 6-3 6-4 6-4. They have never faced each other on clay before.