Marketa Vondrousova Stunned in First-Round Exit at Wimbledon.
Marketa Vondrousova’s Wimbledon title defence ended in a shock first-round defeat to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The Czech player, who made history as the first unseeded woman to win the singles trophy by triumphing over Ons Jabeur in last year’s final, struggled with unforced errors and double faults on Centre Court.
World number 83 Bouzas Maneiro, 21, capitalised on Vondrousova’s lacklustre performance to secure her first Grand Slam victory, winning 6-4, 6-2 on Tuesday.
Vondrousova’s loss marks the first time since 1994 that the women’s defending champion has exited in the first round at Wimbledon. The last occurrence was when Steffi Graf was defeated by Lori McNeil.
“I am really happy; I think this is one of the most important moments in my life, in my career,” Bouzas Maneiro expressed. “This is the most beautiful tournament I have played in my life, so thank you to everyone who came to watch the match today.”
Vondrousova’s early departure ensures a different women’s singles champion for the seventh consecutive year. She is the first women’s defending champion in 30 years to be ousted in the opening round. Serena Williams was the last player to successfully defend the Venus Rosewater Dish, winning back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016.
