If the upsets on the women’s side of Wimbledon keep happening, it is possible that no seeded players will be around when the finals happen. The latest two upset victims were former winners of the Grand Slam Event.
Maria Sharapova, who won in 2004, was dispatched by world No. 132 Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia, 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. Two-time champion Petra Kvitova was defeated by No. 50 Aliaksandra Sasnovich, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.
They were part of a series of upsets over the first two days at the All England Club that saw several top seeds fall to lesser players.
On Monday, No. 4 seed and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens lost to Donna Vekic, and No. 5 seed Elina Svitolina fell to Tatjana Maria. After Kvitova’s loss, No. 6 seed Caroline Garcia was beaten by Belinda Bencic. None of those that pulled off the upsets were ranked any higher than 50th.
Sharapova, who was 12/1 to win Wimbledon, told reporters she was at a loss for why so many top players won’t be around after their first match.
“I think it might be because of the quick turnaround, maybe not coming in with a lot of matches,” Sharapova said. “But some players have won a few matches and didn’t come through today, some haven’t played matches and have gone through. You could study that all day long. At the end of the day it just matters who wins the last point.”
Simple Reason for Sharapova’s Ouster
It didn’t take as much reflection for Sharapova as to why she lost to Diatchenko in three sets. It was the first time the 31-year-old has lost a first round match at Wimbledon.
“She played all-or-nothing. She swung away. She played extremely aggressive,” Sharapova said. “I was playing a little bit too defensively for what I should have been doing. She was there to win it, and she did.”
It has been a slow comeback for the Russian after returning in April of 2017 from serving a 15-month suspension for taking the controlled drug meldonium. She now feels her progression is on track.
“Tennis is a process,” Sharapova said. “I’ve certainly made a lot of progress in the last few months, despite this result today. “I find myself in a much better position than at this time last year. If I show up and keep putting myself on the line on days where I’m not performing well, I’m able to change that around.”
Kvitova’s Loss More Puzzling
Kvitova was one of the favorites to win this event, checking in at 7/2 at most internet sportsbooks. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook had Serena Williams the top pick at 7/2, with Kvitova next at 9/2.
So it was a shock when Kvitova bowed out in the first round against a much lesser opponent. She won this event in 2011 and 2014, but fell to Sasnovich in three sets.
“I just didn’t feel well obviously,” Kvitova said after the match. “The nerves were there again. I don’t know. I just tried to kind of fight with myself.”
There also may have a been a bit of underestimating Sasnovich.
“It maybe surprised me that she could play this well on the grass,” Kvitova said. “Of course, I let her play her game, and I couldn’t really push her as much as I wish I could’ve. The conditions were pretty tight as well, with a lot of wind. I just didn’t put pressure on her. She could do whatever she wanted.”
