Defending champion Iga Swiatek opened her Wimbledon campaign with a hard-fought three-set victory over American Taylor Townsend on Tuesday.
The third seed won 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 on Centre Court in London.
>>> Adrian Newey Reveals Technical and Structural Struggles at Aston Martin
The match lasted 2 hours and 2 minutes, with Swiatek committing nine double faults.
It was the first time since 2019 that the Polish player dropped a set in the opening round of a Grand Slam.
Townsend capitalized on Swiatek's serving struggles in the second set, using an aggressive net-rushing style to secure a double break.
The world number 79 won 13 of 16 points at the net to level the match.
“It was tough couple of weeks, not a season where everything went how I wanted,” Swiatek said.
The victory improved Swiatek's record in deciding sets to 5-8 in 2026, following her grass-court loss to Emma Navarro in Bad Homburg.
>>> Pochettino Criticizes US Media for Lack of Congratulations After Group Win
“I don't think I won any three-set match this year, so I'm happy that I could do it here, because obviously it means a lot opening the court as defending champion,” Swiatek added.
The final set began with a marathon 21-minute opening game. Swiatek saved four break points and navigated nine deuces to hold serve.
“Sometimes just serving the ball in might be a tough ask,” Swiatek recalled.
The six-time major champion adjusted her tactics to pin Townsend into the backhand corner before sealing the match with a love hold.
“This game for sure was about that, and about believing that I can do it,” Swiatek stated.
>>> Serena Williams Returns to Wimbledon Singles Against Maya Joint
Swiatek will face 2021 Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova in the second round. It will be their first career meeting on grass.
