CHWALINSKA SLIP ENDS WIMBLEDON RUN AFTER ANKLE INJURY

Maja Chwalinska lost her Wimbledon first-round match after slipping on grass whilst leading 6-2 5-2 against Mananchaya Sawangkaew. The Polish player, who reached the French Open final as a qualifier in June, fell awkwardly whilst running for a forehand at the back of the court and injured her right ankle. Chwalinska created a match point on her opponent's serve but was unable to capitalise after the slip. She received a medical timeout and continued playing with heavy strapping around her ankle, but ultimately lost 2-6 7-5 6-2.

Chwalinska's movement deteriorated throughout the match following the injury, and she also appeared to suffer from lower back problems during the third set. After losing the next five games following her fall, the qualifier Sawangkaew forced the match to a decider. Chwalinska stated after the match that she did not want to retire injured at Wimbledon, saying she would have had regrets if she had withdrawn. Polish supporters sang her name as she left the court, with officials assisting her by carrying her kit bag to protect her back.

The first day of Wimbledon proved difficult for several seeded players. Jessica Pegula, the American fourth seed, advanced to the second round by defeating Czech player Darja Vidmanova 7-5 6-3, overcoming what she described as her Wimbledon curse after suffering a shock first-round exit the previous year.