Ex-champion Rafael Nadal slumped to a shock first-round exit as 135th ranked Steve Darcis pulled off one of the biggest upsets in
Wimbledon history.
A year after losing to Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round, Nadal was
outplayed by 135th-ranked Darcis on Court One, losing 7-6(4) 7-6(8) 6-4
in front of a disbelieving crowd.
Fifth seed Nadal, who had never lost in the first round of a grand slam
tournament before, served for the second set but Darcis hit back to
move two sets in front. With Nadal, bidding for a third Wimbledon title,
struggling to find his form and appearing to be struggling physically,
Darcis then broke early in the third set and held his nerve to record
the biggest win of his career.
The 29-year-old secured victory with a booming ace. "Rafa did not play
his best match here, it is hard when it is your first match on grass,"
Darcis said after stepping off court.
"I just wanted to play my own
game, coming to the net and not playing far from the baseline.
"I have always played well on grass, perhaps not here where I have had
some tough draws, but I am really happy. I do not know what to say."
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