At the age of 33, the elder statesman of tennis is treasuring every moment on the summit of his fiercely competitive sport.

But Agassi, who should on paper score an easy second-round victory over German journeyman Lars Burgsmuller, is taking nothing for granted at the world's biggest tennis tournament after the shock defeat of defending champion Lleyton Hewitt.

"I sort of take it one at a time. It's sort of my commitment not to overlook anybody," said the Las Vegan who is hugely popular with British tennis fans.

The only other Grand Slam winner left in the men's draw is Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero who is fighting to adapt to Wimbledon's lightning fast grass after his claycourt triumph at the French Open earlier this month.

He faces Frenchman Nicolas Escude, one of the fancied outsiders for the men's crown.

The British, starved of a men's title since Fred Perry triumphed in 1936, once again have all their hopes pinned on Tim Henman after the explosive departure of Greg Rusedski at the hands of favourite American Andy Roddick.

Henman, still struggling to find his form after a shoulder injury and subsequent surgery, has to contend in the second round with Frenchman Michael Llodra.

The top women -- world number one Serena Williams and French Open winner Justine Henin-Hardenne -- also take centre stage.

Williams, the defending champion, faces Belgian Els Callen while Henin-Hardenne is up against Italian Flavia Pennetta.