Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic has spoken of the pleasure he takes in playing at The Boodles after returning to the Stoke Park venue on Wednesday.

The world number one is using the event as preparation for the defence of his SW19 crown and took on David Goffin.

While the result, a straight sets 6-3 7-5 defeat, was not to the Serb’s taste, he still found time to enjoy the unique atmosphere offered up at The Boodles.

“I always look forward to coming back to The Boodles every year, it’s a great way for me to get some match play in the build-up to Wimbledon,” Djokovic said.

“I’ve heard and smelt people drinking champagne throughout the match and it’s great to see people being entertained and I hope they enjoyed some good tennis.”

The 29-year-old was playing in his first match since claiming a career Grand Slam at Roland Garros and he currently holds all four major titles.

He is now looking to complete a year Grand Slam and is focused on winning his fourth triumph at Wimbledon.

“Of course I’m very proud and thrilled to be able to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time, it’s a remarkable achievement for my team and I,” he said.

“But we’re moving on and it is back to grass starting from scratch now. It’s great that behind the corner we have Wimbledon, back to back Grand Slams in less than a month, and that will definitely make me focus and stay the journey.”

For Goffin, the win represents a positive step as he makes the transition onto grass court conditions after a gruelling clay court season.

The world number 11 also praised The Boodles organisers and feels he is suitably prepared for Wimbledon which commences next week.

“I’m feeling really good, it’s the perfect practice before Wimbledon. The court and the atmosphere is really nice here, the court is perfect,” Goffin said.

“It’s never easy to change surface. I think I’m a good player on the grass but I think I need some time, so I think this week I am feeling much better than last week and the week before.”

Wednesday’s action also saw British number two Aljaz Bedene take on Robin Haasse and claim an impressive win.

Bedene was in form throughout the 6-4 6-4 victory and says he is enjoying his tennis.

“I’m feeling really confident ahead of Wimbledon, the most important thing is that I’m enjoying my tennis and then we’ll see what happens,” he said.

Djokovic had been due to play Nick Kyrgios today but the match was called off due to risk of heavy rain affecting his commitments elsewhere.

Founder and Event Director of the Boodles, Patricio Apey, said: “Novak Djokovic has been such a strong supporter of The Boodles.

"We did not want to put his schedule and other commitments at risk, we are delighted he played yesterday and hope to welcome him back with sunshine next year.”