Defending champion Marketa Vondrousova crashed out of Wimbledon in the first round on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old Czech fell 6-4, 6-2 to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at Centre Court.
The last time a reigning champ lost in the opening round at the All England Club was in 1994 when Steffi Graf fell to Lori McNeil.
Vondrousova made history last year as Wimbledon’s first unseeded female champion when she captured her first Grand Slam title with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur.
Seeded sixth this year, Vondrousova showed some after-effects of a recent hip injury during Tuesday’s shocking loss to Bouzas Maneiro, 21.
“This is one of the most important moments in my life, in my career, here in this sport. This is amazing,” said Bouzas Maneiro, who is ranked 83rd this week, equaling her career high.
“I was like, ‘I have no pressure, just enjoy the moment, enjoy the tournament.’ Just trying to be free playing, and I did it, so I’m happy for that,” she said.
Vondrousova double-faulted seven times and Bouzas Maneiro converted all five of her break chances in the 69-minute match. Vondrousova committed 28 unforced errors, twice as many as her opponent.
–Field Level Media
