Wimbledon 2024: Defending Champion Ousted in Bizarre Fashion as Steffi Graf’s Worst Record Gets Company

It is strange for a defending champion to lose in the first round itself, isn’t it? However, with the unpredictable nature of the current state of tennis, nothing is strange. A few minutes ago, defending Wimbledon women’s singles champion, Marketa Vondrousova, bowed out of the tournament in the opening round. Such was the shocking nature of her display that she repeated a 30-year-old record after losing her match today.

Back in 1994, tennis legend, Steffi Graf also lost her opening-round match at Wimbledon. Like Vondrousova, she was also the defending champion, and as a result, the Czech Republican star brought back memories of the unwanted 30-year-old record in the process.

Graf had won three back-to-back Wimbledon titles from 1991 to 1993 but lost in the first round at the 1994 Wimbledon Championships. She was beaten by Lori McNeil in straight sets despite being the top seed and the defending champion there. Like Graf, Vondrousova too went down in straight sets against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. However, what was strange to note was that Bouzas hadn’t won a slam match prior to her victory over Vondrousova.

The Czech Republican star didn’t have the most ideal preparation for her Wimbledon title defense. She participated in just a solitary grass-court tournament, the Berlin Grass Court Championships and retired midway in her second round match there. As a result, it was suspected that she wasn’t entering Wimbledon completely fit, which might be one of the reasons for her poor display here.

While Graf lost in the first round of 1994 Wimbledon, she went on to win the next two editions. Thus, Vondrousova should hope for some better things in the future after a saddening loss today. On the other hand, it was contrasting emotions in Vondrousova’s opponent’s camp. Bouzas was elated with the victory and made a heartfelt revelation.

Jessica Bouzas Maneiro relishes her maiden Grand Slam victory

At just 21, the Spanish sensation Bouzas is already making big waves on the sport’s biggest stage. After defeating Vondrousova, she was all over the moon by winning her maiden Grand Slam match and made a heartfelt revelation.

During the post-match interview, she dubbed the moment as “one of the most important moments of [her] life.” Further, she went on to add, “The atmosphere here, the tournament, is one of the most beautiful tournaments that I’ve ever played in my entire life.” At the recently concluded French Open, Bouzas had lost in the opening round. Nonetheless, the victory here has done her confidence a world of good and she would be rearing to go in her upcoming matches.

Bouzas will next face the winner of the match between Cristina Bucsa and Ana Bogdan. Can she continue her giant-killing run in her upcoming matches at Wimbledon? Let us know your views in the comments below.