Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDefending champion Iga Swiatek narrowly avoided an early exit at Wimbledon, overcoming world No 81 Taylor Townsend in a challenging first-round match with a score of 6-1 2-6 6-3. Swiatek, who had expressed low expectations for her title defence due to past struggles on grass, appeared visibly frustrated and made numerous errors during the second set as US star Townsend ramped up her aggression. A pivotal moment occurred in the 21-minute opening game of the deciding set, where Swiatek saved four break points against Townsend, who had recently won the French Open women's doubles title. Despite winning the first set comfortably, Swiatek's performance was marked by mental fragility and serving issues, leading to a tense battle that lasted just over two hours on Centre Court. Following her hard-fought victory, Swiatek displayed significant emotional relief, covering her face with a towel and giving an uncharacteristically emotional interview, acknowledging the pressure and difficulties she had faced. In fullIga Swiatek survives almighty Taylor Townsend scare in unconvincing start to Wimbledon title defenceThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Iga Swiatek overcome with emotion after tense Wimbledon win over Taylor Townsend
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDefending champion Iga Swiatek narrowly avoided an early exit at Wimbledon, overcoming world No 81 Taylor Townsend in a challenging first-round match with a score of 6-1 2-6 6-3. Swiatek, who had expressed low expectations for her title defence due to past struggles on grass, appeared visibly frustrated and made numerous errors during the second set as US star Townsend ramped up her aggression. A pivotal moment occurred in the 21-minute opening game of the deciding set, where Swiatek saved four break points against Townsend, who had recently won the French Open women's doubles title. Despite winning the first set comfortably, Swiatek's performance was marked by mental fragility and serving issues, leading to a tense battle that lasted just over two hours on Centre Court. Following her hard-fought victory, Swiatek displayed significant emotional relief, covering her face with a towel and giving an uncharacteristically emotional interview, acknowledging the pressure and difficulties she had faced. In fullIga Swiatek survives almighty Taylor Townsend scare in unconvincing start to Wimbledon title defenceThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
