Defending champion Marketa Vondrousova crashes out in 1st round of Wimbledon 2024 as Jessica Bouzas Maneiro pulls of major upset

A day to forget for reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova as her title defence came to an end after a shocking first-round defeat. Unseeded Jessica Bouzas Maneiro pulled off a major upset at Centre Court on Tuesday (July 2) to register her maiden Grand Slam main draw win.

Vondrousova was defeated in straight sets (4-6, 2-6) in an hour and 7 minutes by a player who had never won on grass court before. Along with the heartbreak, the Czech professional also set the unwanted record of becoming the first defending women’s champion at Wimbledon to lose in the first round the next year since 1994. 

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In the last edition, Vondrousova surprised everyone by becoming the first unseeded woman to lift the trophy at a grass-court Grand Slam tournament. But the 25-year-old failed to repeat her heroics this time as she never looked threatening to her opponent. Meanwhile, Vondrousova appears to still be suffering from hip pain that she sustained after falling during a tune-up tournament on grass in Berlin last month.   

‘One of the most important moments in my life’: Bouzas Maneiro after historic win

The game turned out to be a one-sided affair as Bouzas Maneiro completely dominated the proceedings. Notably, Vondrousova hit seven double faults. The Spaniard then broke Vondrousova's serve five times. The 21-year-old was seen bursting with joy after her dazzling performance on centre court.

Watch the video below: 

The win of her life ✨



21-year-old Jessica Bouzas Maneiro beats defending champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-4, 6-2 on Centre Court#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/16PSpOvi0I

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 2, 2024

"I am really happy. I think this is one of the most important moments in my life and career," Jessica said during an on-court interview.

"I was just thinking about enjoying the moment while trying to play one of the finest women's singles players. She won the title last year here. I was thinking that I had no pressure and wanted to enjoy myself. I tried to be free while playing. I did it and I am happy for that," the 83rd-ranked added.

"I am surprised with myself. At the beginning, I was a bit nervous. But since the first game, the atmosphere here was so good. It felt like playing at home," she concluded.

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