Marketa Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, was surprisingly eliminated in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday. This marked the first time a female champion has fallen at the opening hurdle since Steffi Graf in 1993. The Czech player, who made history last year by becoming the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon, succumbed to a 6-4, 6-2 defeat against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Bouzas Maneiro, ranked world number 83, entered Wimbledon with only one tour-level victory this year. However, she showcased her prowess on Centre Court, securing her first Grand Slam win by hitting a decisive backhand down the line. The Spaniard played a clean and consistent game, keeping the ball in play while Vondrousova struggled with unforced errors. Vondrousova, hampered by a hip injury that affected her preparation, was unable to maintain her championship form. Her exit from the tournament leaves the path open for other players to vie for the title.
Bouzas Maneiro will now face either compatriot Cristina Bucsa or Romanian Ana Bogdan in the second round. Her impressive victory over the defending champion is a testament to her resilience and potential on the Grand Slam stage.
