Andy Murray beats Benjamin Becker at Wimbledon 2013

Andy Murray made a winning start to his latest Wimbledon campaign, but Britain's number one was overshadowed by the shock defeat of two-time champion Rafael Nadal on the opening day.

Murray, seeded second, saw off Germany's Benjamin Becker 6-4 6-3 6-2 on Centre Court.

And while he will now focus on Wednesday's second-round match against Chinese Taipei's Yen-Hsun Lu, a major obstacle has been cleared from Murray's path to the final.

Day one's real drama occurred on Court One, where Nadal was the victim of a stunning upset for the second year running at the All England Club.

Belgium's Steve Darcis, the world number 135, followed in the footsteps of Lukas Rosol by ending the Spaniard's challenge before it had really begun with a 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (10-8) 6-4 win.

Nadal, 27, has beaten Murray three times at Wimbledon and they were drawn in the same half this year, but Roger Federer is now the highest-ranked player between the Scot and the final.

"It's obviously surprising but that's sport, and Rafa's not played on the grass this year either," Murray told BBC Sport. "It's obviously an upset, but if you're a little bit off that can happen."

Murray, 26, began his campaign for a first Wimbledon title by becoming the most successful British player in Grand Slam history with his 107th singles win, taking him past Fred Perry on 106.

It was also his second win in two weeks over Becker, having beaten the world number 92 on is way to victory at Queen's Club.

There had been a few lapses of concentration that day, and Murray made more unforced errors than he would have liked on Centre Court, but there was never any threat of another first-round upset.

After letting a 4-1 lead slip with a double-fault on break point, Murray took control in the closing stages of the first two sets before running away with the third.

There were no signs of the back injury that forced him to miss the French Open as he came through in one hour and 53 minutes.

Murray's trademark athleticism in defence was on show throughout, and he knew he had the beating of the German - an occasional practice partner in Florida - in the key moments.

The Briton upped the pressure as the second set progressed, breaking at 4-3 after a poor Becker drop shot allowed him to attack the net.

That was enough to secure a two-set lead, and Murray dominated the third with two breaks and just three unforced errors to ensure at least one Briton will figure in the second round of the singles.

"I thought it was a good match and it was a good start for me," said Murray. "He played some solid tennis, especially the first two sets, and then the third set I started to play better.

"It was a tough start for me, he is a very good grass player. I was ready, and to win in three sets was a good start.

"There's always nerves at the start of a Grand Slam and I'm glad to get it out of the way, and hopefully I can improve as it goes on."