WIMBLEDON, United Kingdom – Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic, ranked No. 6 in the world and a surprise winner at Wimbledon last year, was eliminated in the first round of the London tournament on Tuesday by Jessica Bouzas of Spain (No. 83) 6-4, 6-2 in 1 hour and 06 minutes.
The last time a defending champion lost in the first round on the London grass was exactly 30 years ago: in 1994, three-time defending champion Steffi Graf lost to American Lori McNeil.
Bouzas, who won her very first match at Wimbledon, will face her compatriot Cristina Bucsa (64th) or the Romanian Ana Bogdan (57th) to try to reach the third round.
“It’s one of the most important moments of my life, of my career,” said the 21-year-old, before leaving Centre Court.
“I had no pressure, I just wanted to play freely. I managed to do it and I’m very happy about it,” she added.
“I don’t know how I did it, but I immediately felt comfortable, like I was at home, even though it’s Centre Court, my first time at Wimbledon…” she concluded, her eyes shining with emotion and a broad smile lighting up her face as the crowd cheered her on.
A formality for Rybakina
Elena Rybakina, world number 4 and winner in 2022, comfortably qualified for the second round by eliminating Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse (152nd) 6-3, 6-1.
In the next round, the Kazakh of Russian origin will face the German Laura Siegemund (72nd).
“I’m very happy with this first victory this year. I haven’t played much on grass this year because I’ve had some problems,” commented the 25-year-old, as impassive as ever.
“I keep all my emotions inside, all I want to do is enjoy myself on the court. And this is a really special place,” she added before leaving Court No. 1 at Wimbledon.
