MARKETA VONDROUSOVA has become the first defending Wimbledon women’s champion to crash out in the opening round in 30 years.
The Czech star, 25, opened the day two proceedings on Centre Court against world No83 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, as is customary for the reigning champ.
PAMarketa Vondrousova was out of sorts on her Wimbledon defence[/caption]
Vondrousova, 25, struggled to ever produce her best form© 2024 PA Media
PAJessica Bouzas Maneiro celebrates her career win[/caption]
Twelve months ago she achieved the pinnacle of her career, beating Ons Jabeur in the final to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Her return to SW19 has been a nightmare one, however, as she fell at the first hurdle 6-4 6-2 to Bouzas Maneiro.
Vondrousova never appeared fully comfortable against her 21-year-old opponent, who came out firing with nothing to lose.
Even prior to the tournament, Vondrousova spoke of the added “stress” that she felt coming in.
After referencing her lack of expectations 12 months ago, she added on this year’s mindset: “I don’t think you can feel stress-free at all when you are six in the world.
“That’s kind of tough. There is a lot of pressure, too, also here.
“I’m going to try to take it also match by match and try to enjoy the game.”
Prior to today, Steffi Graf was the only defending women’s Wimbledon champion to lose in round one of her title defence.
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Times Newspapers LtdSteffi Graf lost to Lori McNeil in round one 30 years ago[/caption]
The legendary German famously fell to Lori McNeil in 1994.
Thirty years on, Vondrousova came out edgy, and was broken in the very first game of the match.
She did go on to reclaim the break of serve, but then dropped four games out of the next five to lose the opener 6-4.
The pair exchanged three more breaks to begin the second set, before Bouzas Maneiro took control against her out of sorts opponent, beaming after converting match point for a 6-4 6-2 triumph.
After the match, Vondrousova admitted that her nerves as defending champion played a major role in her first round exit.
She said: “I feel like even if you don’t want to think about it, you just think about it all the time here. I see posters here and everything, my name everywhere.
“Yeah, I mean, it was amazing feeling to go back on the Centre Court. The match was very tough. Yeah, now it’s liked mixed feelings.
“I love to be here. I would love to stay longer also. I won last year. Yeah, it was amazing. Yeah, today was really tough.”
Speaking to the BBC on court after the match, the triumphant underdog gushed: “Now I’m really happy. This is one of the most important moments of my life, in my career here on this court, this is amazing.
“The atmosphere here, the tournament is the most beautiful tournament I ever played in my life so thank you so much to everyone who came here today to watch.”
Next up she will face the winner of Ana Bogdan and Cristina Bucsa.
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