Wimbledon news: Drama at SW19 as US star Coco Gauff knocked out, Emma Raducanu advances
The first round of the Ladies’ Singles at Wimbledon is officially done and dusted, with some matches unfolding as expected while others produced major upsets.
French Open champion Coco Gauff was the highest-profile casualty, surprisingly losing her clash with Dayana Yastremska in straight sets.
Elsewhere, British star and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu advanced to the second round at the expense of Mingge Xu.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Vanely Barumire offers a round-up of the action from SW19.
Gauff ‘disappointed’ by shock exit
The most shocking news from the first round at SW19 came courtesy of Roland Garros–winner Gauff’s sensational loss to Yastremska in a game where the American tennis star clearly lacked the drive and hunger that helped her win in Paris.
At an emotional post-match press conference, the second seed revealed that she was “disappointed” in her own performance.
However, nothing should be taken away from Yastremska, who played brilliantly to defeat one of the title contenders 7-6, 6-1.
The Ukrainian goes on to face Anastasia Zakharova after the Russian topped Belarusian legend Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 2-6, 6-1.
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Raducanu advances to second round
British No.1 and world No.40 Raducanu bested fellow Briton Xu 6-3, 6-3 to make it through to the second round.
The 22-year-old was simply too strong for the teenage Welshwoman as she closed off the match with 68 points won and a 75% win rate on the first serve.
Raducanu next faces Markéta Vondroušová, who beat 32nd-seed McCartney Kessler 6-1, 7-6.
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Eala falls short against Krejčíková
It was a case of close but not close enough for Alexandra Eala in her clash with Barbora Krejčíková.
On Centre Court, the young Filipino talent was first to take charge of the match, winning the opening set against the Czech.
But it was not enough as the two-time Grand Slam winner came back to beat Eala 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.
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Excitement over title contenders’ struggles
In the lead-up to Wimbledon, given what had transpired at the French Open, the likes of Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek were considered obvious title favourites.
First round action at SW19 has changed things, though.
Of course, Sablenka and Świątek should not be discounted, and the two stars will likely go on to have a great run at the Grand Slam yet again.
But with this year’s Championships witnessing so many upsets and so soon, the race for the Ladies’ Singles trophy isn’t nearly as predictable as it once appeared to be.
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