In a surprising turn at Wimbledon, Marketa Vondrousova, last year's champion, was eliminated in the first round on Tuesday by world number 83, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
The 21-year-old Spaniard secured a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory over the sixth-ranked Czech.
Vondrousova, who made history last year as the first unseeded woman to win the Wimbledon title, now joins German legend Steffi Graf, who was the last defending champion to be knocked out in the opening round back in 1994 by Lori McNeil.
For Bouzas Maneiro, this victory marks a significant milestone. Until now, she had never defeated a top-40 player, and her only other grass-court match this year ended in a first-round loss at a minor event in Italy. "I think this is one of the most important moments in my life and career," she said. "She is one of the best players in the world, so there was no pressure for me. I could just enjoy the moment and play freely."
Reflecting on her performance, Bouzas Maneiro added, "I'm really surprised with myself. I was a little bit nervous at the start, but the atmosphere was so nice that I felt more comfortable. I felt at home."
She will next face either Ana Bogdan of Romania or fellow Spaniard Cristina Bucsa for a spot in the last 32.
Vondrousova entered Wimbledon with concerns about her fitness after injuring her right hip in a fall at the Berlin grass-court tournament last month.