The 2024 Wimbledon tournament has kicked off with a series of unexpected developments, most notably the shocking first-round exit of defending women’s champion Marketa Vondrousova. The Czech player, seeded 6th, fell to 21-year-old Spanish newcomer Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. This marks the first time since Steffi Graf in 1994 that a defending women’s champion has been eliminated in the opening round at Wimbledon.Bouzas Maneiro, ranked 83rd in the world and playing in only her third Grand Slam tournament, described the victory as ‘one of the most important moments in my life, in my career’. Vondrousova, who had been struggling with a hip injury from a recent fall during a tuneup tournament, was unable to demonstrate her full game.In men’s singles, two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has withdrawn from the competition due to his ongoing recovery from recent back surgery. Murray, who underwent the operation to remove a spinal cyst just 10 days ago, expressed disappointment but confirmed he will still participate in the doubles event alongside his brother Jamie. This decision allows Murray to fulfill his desire to play at Wimbledon one last time, as he had previously hinted at retirement after this summer.Other notable results include German player Alexander Zverev advancing to the second round after defeating Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 6-4, 6-2. Laura Siegemund, another German player, also progressed to the second round with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Kateryna Baindl of Ukraine.As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on how these early upsets and withdrawals will shape the competition, particularly in the women’s draw where the defending champion’s early exit has opened up new opportunities for other contenders.
Key points
- Defending women’s champion Marketa Vondrousova was upset in the first round by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, the first such occurrence since 1994.
- Andy Murray has withdrawn from Wimbledon singles due to recent back surgery but will compete in doubles with his brother Jamie.
- German players Alexander Zverev and Laura Siegemund have advanced to the second round.
