Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic has described carrying his country's flag at the opening ceremony of London 2012 as an "out-of-body experience".

The 25-year-old, who is hoping to improve on his bronze-medal finish in Beijing four years ago, advanced to the second round of the men's singles with a hard-fought, three-set win over Italy's Fabio Fognini.

Speaking after the victory, Djokovic described walking into the Olympic stadium on Friday evening. "It was an out-of-body experience. It was like I was in a trance. I really couldn't remember those five minutes we were walking around the stadium, it was incredible, 80,000 people and walking into one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world.

"It was a huge, huge pleasure and responsibility and honour to be carrying the flag for my country. Maybe you only get to experience that once in a lifetime, so I wanted to make it worthwhile. I wanted to smile as much as I can and to enjoy every second of it, and I believe it was a marvellous experience."

Djokovic, who begins his doubles campaign with fellow Serb Victor Troicki later today, will face either Andy Roddick of the United States or Slovenian Martin Klizan in the second round of the singles.