Former Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal was sensationally knocked out at SW19 in the first round by Steve Darcis
World number five Rafael Nadal has been knocked out in the first round of Grand Slam for the first time in his career as he lost in straight sets to Belgium’s Steve Darcis.
The world number 135 stunned a Wimbledon crowd on Court One as he won the contest 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (10-8) 6-4.
It was the second successive year that Nadal has fell early on at SW19 after he lost a five-set thriller to Lukas Rosol in the second round last year.
The Spaniard, who won the French Open at Roland Garros for the eighth time last month, struggled to adjust from the clay court to grass and Darcis took full advantage of his discomfort.
After loosing the opening set on a tie-break, Nadal showed promise from what he had displayed on the clay court last month, but Darcis went on to extend his lead to two-sets after Nadal saved four set points.
Darcis continued the third set in similar fashion to how started the first two sets. He broke Nadal in the first game of the final set before holding on to his lead, before breaking again towards the end of the set.
Meanwhile, Andy Murray eased into the second round after a three-set victory over Benjamin Becker on Centre Court.
The Scot, who won the Olympic gold medal at SW19 last summer, beat the German 6-4 6-3 6-2.
Reigning champion Roger Federer also secured his place in the second round at Wimbledon after a comfortable straight-sets victory over Victor Hanescu.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion lost only five games on his way to victory. He won 6-3 6-2 6-0.
Words: Adam Grice
Photo: tennisworld-tennis.blogsport.com
The Sporting Section 