This is the second time in a row that Stephens was knocked out in Wimbledon’s first round.
Croatia's Donna Vekic reacts after winning against fourth-seed Sloane Stephens during Wimbledon 2018 (Photo: AFP)
Croatia’s Donna Vekic on Monday pulled off an upset victory over fourth seed Sloane Stephens of the United States 6-1, 6-3 in the first round of Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam event of the season.
This is the second time in a row that Stephens was knocked out in Wimbledon’s first round, as she lost to Alison Riske of the US in her 2017 opener, reports Efe.
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World No. 53 Vekic needed only one hour and 11 minutes to get past the reigning US Open champion, earning her first career win over Stephens in their second career match and her first win against a Top 5 player.
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Despite struggling on serve – putting only 50 percent on the first delivery in play – Vekic was more decisive in the important points, especially in the opening.
The 22-year-old Crotian made the most of two break points in the first set, while she managed to fend off one opportunity.
2018 French Open runner-up Stephens, however, took advantage of Vekic’s struggles on serve, as she broke her serve twice, but conceded her own three times.
Next up for Vekic is either Viktoria Kuzmova of Slovakia, world No. 69, or Rebecca Peterson of Sweden, world No. 78.
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