Zverev Suffers Early Exit at Wimbledon

LONDON: In a stunning upset, world number three Alexander Zverev was ousted in the first round of Wimbledon by Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech. This defeat marks Zverev’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament since Wimbledon 2019. The marathon match extended over two days.

The score was tied at one set each when play was halted on Monday. Upon resumption, Rinderknech prevailed with a final score of 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4.

Rinderknech is now set to compete against Cristian Garin of Chile in the subsequent round.

Following Zverev’s loss, nearly a dozen seeded players have been eliminated prior to reaching the second round of the competition.

Krejcikova Advances After Tough Match

Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova, despite a recent withdrawal from Eastbourne, had to fight hard against the talented 20-year-old Filipina, Alexandra Eala. Ultimately, Krejcikova secured a victory of 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 on Centre Court.

Eala, making her Wimbledon debut, initially stunned Krejcikova by winning the first set. However, Krejcikova demonstrated her championship mettle by rallying back. After what appeared to be a physical and mental reset, she dominated the second set and comfortably won the deciding set.

Swiatek Overcomes Kudermetova

In other action, Polish player Iga Swiatek defeated Polina Kudermetova of Russia with a score of 7-5, 6-1 in their first-round match.

Kudermetova put up a strong fight in the opening set, but Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, regained control and won the match. Swiatek expressed her appreciation to the fans for their support after her victory.

“I’m happy my game improved in the second set, and I appreciate the fans coming out to support us despite the heat,” Swiatek commented after the match.