Opening day at Wimbledon was a double celebration for Stan Wawrinka.

The three-time Grand Slam champion watched girlfriend Donna Vekic sweep US Open champion Sloane Stephens, 6-1, 6-3, on Court No. 1. 

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An inspired Wawrinka turned Centre Court into a revival ground rallying past sixth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov, 1-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5), 6-4. 

"I think it was a good day for us at the office, that's for sure," Wawrinka said. "Was great match from her. I watch it from home before coming back for my match. For sure it was a big win for her. She's playing well on grass. It's been good for us today."

A year after hobbling out of his Wimbledon opener, Wawrinka enjoyed major crowd support from Centre Court fans exhorting him in his comeback today.

A pair of left knee surgeries last year and injury-induced inactivity caused Wawrinka's ranking to drop to No. 224.

Yet, the three-time Grand Slam champion says he's drawing motivation from merely playing and practicing after nearly a year of pain.

"[Grigor] is one of the best player in the world, especially on grass. Was tough draw to enter the tournament," Wawrinka said. "I know where I come from with my injury, I know all the work I've been doing. It's because I'm still really motivated to play any player, any court.

"For sure, it's the best other player to play on Centre Court, like today was amazing atmosphere. In the same times, if I have to play on Court 15, 16, I don't mind. I'm really happy to be here. It is all simple: if you go far in the tournament, you will play on the big courts. That's what you're looking as a player." 

Next up for Wawrinka is a second-round match vs. 133rd-ranked Italian Thomas Fabbiano.