Elena Rybakina survives attack of nerves in front of idol Roger Federer
Elena Rybakina suffered an attack of nerves in front of Roger Federer before making a winning start to her title defence.
The Kazakh was taken the distance by Shelby Rogers on her return to the scene of last year’s final triumph over Ons Jabeur. And afterwards she admitted being watched by her idol had brought on a wobble and left her needing to dig deep to win 4-6 6-1 6-2.
“I was really nervous, I couldn’t hide it,” said Rybakina, whose match followed a tribute to eight-time champion Federer and standing ovation which lasted several minutes as he took his seat.
“I actually really like Roger. When I was younger, I was always watching him play. Maybe that’s why I was nervous. I needed the full set to feel better and start playing.”
The 24-year old could be forgiven some apprehension, finding herself scheduled between the Swiss legend and Andy Murray’s first appearance.
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Rain beating down on SW19 assured the eyes of the world were trained on sport's most famous lawn as she entered the fray.
(AFP via Getty Images)In the end it turned out fine, Rybakina booking a second round tie against France's Alize Cornet or Japan's Nao Hibino in an hour and three quarters.
But for 75 minutes she was at risk of following Steffi Graf, in 1994, in becoming only the second ladies’ defending champion to fall at the first hurdle.
Rybakina started with a double fault and followed with two forehand errors to drop her opening service game.
(Getty Images)She had been an illness doubt coming in, having dropped out of the French Open before the third round and withdrawing from Eastbourne last week.
That seemed a more plausible explanation than being fazed by the presence of Federer and the Princess of Wales.
Yet later she pointed straight to the “atmosphere and attention” out on Centre.
(Getty Images)“First matches are always tough mentally to get to the rhythm of the tournament,” she said. “And this was different from last year because then I started on a smaller court.
“With every match I was playing better and better, feeling better. Here it's different. Straightaway you go to this big court.”
Ultimately her class told, the second and third sets passing by in a flash as she gave up just five points on serve and belted 20 winners.
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In that form she has no cause to fear the coming days. But her rivals might.
Aryna Sabalenka hits a spectacular shot during her win over Panna Udvardy (AFP via Getty Images)Aryna Sabalenka repaid “beautiful” Wimbledon for allowing her back by turning on the style.
The Belarusian was barred from the tournament last year due to the ban on players from Russia and her country over the invasion of Ukraine.
She admitted to crying every time Wimbledon came on TV and a year on made up for lost time by caning Panna Udvardy 6-3 6-1.
(AFP via Getty Images)“I did not realise how much I missed this place until this match,” she told the Centre Court crowd. “I’ve missed it a lot.
“That’s why I played my best tennis today. I feel great. It’s really good to be one of the favourites for this beautiful tournament.”
Sabalenka, 25, has yet to progress beyond the semi-finals here but has won three tournaments already this year.
(PA)Early on she cut a frustrated figure as unforced errors kept her Hungarian opponent in the match.
But after taking the first set in 37 minutes she opened her shoulders and blasted Udvardy away - delighting the crowd as she did with a between-the-legs shot.
The former US and Australian Open champion admitted beforehand to being unsure what sort of reception she would receive.
When her victory was greeted with cheers, she reciprocated by blowing kisses.
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