Elena Rybakina starts Wimbledon title defence with comeback win over Shelby Rogers in front of Roger Federer

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. Ad 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.

WimbledonSwiatek faces Lin in Wimbledon first round, Sabalenka meets Udvardy, Rybakina to play Rogers30/06/2023 AT 09:41 “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Having withdrawn from the French Open due to illness, she won just one grass match in Berlin before pulling out of Eastbourne, again because of illness.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. Alcaraz overwhelms Chardy to reach second round Wilander: Class act Federer took Wimbledon to the next level 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