Elena Rybakina starts Wimbledon title defence with comeback win over Shelby Rogers in front of Roger Federer
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Updated 04/07/2023 at 15:58 GMT
Elena Rybakina's Wimbledon title defence did not get off to the smoothest of starts as she was pushed to three sets by world No. 49 Shelby Rogers. Rybakina had a viral illness ahead of the Grand Slam and looked below her best before improving to reach the second round. Last year's runner-up Ons Jabeur started with a 6-3 6-3 win over Magdalena Frech.
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Defending women’s champion Elena Rybakina survived a scare as she came from a set down to beat Shelby Rogers in the first round of Wimbledon.
Watched by eight-time champion Roger Federer and the Princess of Wales and with the roof closed on Centre Court, Rybakina looked out of sorts in the first set.
But she found a better level in time to avoid an upset and win 4-6 6-1 6-2 to reach the second round, where she faces Alize Cornet or Nao Hibino.
“It was really tough for me today," said Rybakina in her on-court interview.
"I was pretty nervous, I cannot hide it, the double fault at the start of the match said it all. I am really pleased to get to another round.”
Rybakina, who is the third seed at Wimbledon, did not have the best preparation for the tournament.
Having withdrawn from the French Open due to illness, she won just one grass match in Berlin before pulling out of Eastbourne, again because of illness.
And against an opponent who she had lost to when they last met on grass, Rybakina made a nervy start.
She was pushed to deuce in her opening service game after being 40-15 ahead. Rybakina then went long with a short ball before Rogers powered an unreturnable forehand into the corner to break.
Rogers backed up the break with a comfortable hold before Rybakina got on the scoreboard.
Rogers saved a break point with a forehand winner and held for 3-1.
The world No. 49 was pushed to deuce again in her next service game but showed excellent composure to stay in front.
When presented with the chance to close out the set, Rogers didn’t falter as she sealed it with an ace down the middle after Rybakina had smacked a return wide the previous point.
Rybakina made a brighter start second set with a love hold.
She then pressured the serve of Rogers, who double faulted with a chance to win the game and then netted to give Rybakina the break.
Rybakina secured a 3-0 lead with an ace and followed up with a break to love as Rogers dragged a shot well wide.
The complexion of the match looked entirely different to the first set and although Rogers got on the board in the sixth game, Rybakina closed out the set with a love hold.
Rogers went off court for six minutes between sets but that didn't slow Rybakina’s momentum as she broke in the first game with a forehand winner smacked down the line.
There was no way back from there for Rogers as the defending champion pulled clear to book her place in the next round.
Last year's runner-up Ons Jabeur started with a 6-3 6-3 win over Magdalena Frech.
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