Swiatek Stays Unbeaten in First Round, Avoids Rare Early Exit

History reminded the crowd that only two defending champions have ever faltered in Wimbledon’s opening round – Steffi Graf in 1994 and Marketa Vondrousova in 2024. Swiatek’s hard‑earned three‑set victory over Townsend ensures she does not join that exclusive list. The Polish champion, who captured her sixth Grand Slam title last year by winning 20 consecutive matches, displayed the same relentless rhythm that has defined her recent successes, while also showing the patience needed to weather Townsend’s comeback surge.