The Serb, who finally won a first French Open title earlier this month, has now won 12 Majors, meaning he is within two of Spaniard Rafael Nadal's mark and five behind the record of 17 held by Switzerland's Roger Federer.

He will begin his attempt to add to his 2011, 2014 and 2015 victories against home player James Ward, ranked a lowly 177 in the world.

Djokovic is seeking to become the first man since Australian Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the calendar Grand Slam, an achievement only managed three times in the sport's history.

Ward's fellow Briton Andy Murray appears Djokovic's only serious rival after losing to the Serb in the final of the French Open.

Murray, the 2013 winner who has reunited with old coach Ivan Lendl, will open proceedings against another home player in  world number 234 Liam Broady in the other half of the draw.

Federer, seeking a first Wimbledon title since 2012, faces Argentine Guido Pella in the first round in the same half as Djokovic.

His fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka could lie in wait for Murray in the semi-final, while Nadal is absent through injury.

Serena Williams will bid for a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam crown in the women's singles as she seeks to emulate last year's final victory over Garbine Muguruza.

But the 34-year-old has endured a frustrating time since, failing to win any of the last three Grand Slams and winning only one of her five tournaments so far this year. 

She will begin proceedings against Swiss qualifier Amra Sadikovic.

In the absence of Russia's Maria Sharapova - currently beginning a two year doping ban - Spaniard Muguruza should be a leading opponent once again.

Other leading contenders include the likes of Poland's Agnieszka Radwansk, Germany's Angelique Kerber and two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic.