LONDON -- Dutchman Richard Krajicek, one of only three former Wimbledon champions in the men's singles draw this year, powered into the second round on Monday with a 6-2 7-5 7-6 victory over Franco Squillari.

Krajicek, champion here in 1996, was playing only his second singles match since November 2000 but looked fresh and match-hardened against the Argentine baseliner on court three.

The 30-year-old has been out of action following right elbow surgery. His ranking has dropped to 1093 and he lost his opening match in Den Bosch last week to Swiss Roger Federer.

But against Squillari, the Dutchman was always in control, Reuters reported.

He romped through the opening set 6-2 in 27 minutes and then held off a brave Squillari fightback in the second to stretch into a two-set lead.

Latching on to Squillari's serves and racing to the net, Krajicek volleyed to victory 7-5 in the final-set tiebreak, completing his Wimbledon comeback with a huge serve that the Argentine could only return into the net.