Federer, Tsonga, Cilic, Isner, Azarenka, Ivanovic, Jankovic, Wozniacki and Sharapova are all OUT. Nobody could have predicted today's casualties and shocks. Sadly, Tsonga and Isner had to retire from their matches due to injury whilst Cilic and Azarenka didn't even make it to the court before withdrawing with injuries. There were two huge upsets in both the mens and womens draws as Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova both crashed out in the second round. Federer took a close first set on a tie-break before Stakhovsky continued to play the match of his life and take the next three sets against a nervous Federer. Meanwhile, Maria Sharapova had plenty to say about the court conditions after her shock defeat to Larcher De Brito as the Russian fell over on multiple occasions. Andy Murray managed to avoid all the drama and defeat Lu in straight sets after three dominant sets. Caroline Wozniacki's year still hasn't improved after bowing out to Cetkovska in straight sets whilst both Jankovic and Ivanovic crashed out.
My Opinion: It was unfortunate so many players have had to withdraw due to injury. The pressures and pains of playing on grass after a long clay court season has taken its toll and caught up on certain players. However, some of the big names going out really shocked me. Roger Federer losing on centre court to Stakhovsky really was incredible although the guy made no mistakes. It does showcase that a good serve and volley game can still beat the best. Maria Sharapova crashing out was another shocker. The two loudest ladies in the game was amusing/horrible to listen to throughout but Sharapova just didn't play well enough - most probably to her lack of confidence in the court and being able to stand up. A shame to see Wozniacki unable to build upon her first round whilst Ivanovic lost to a very promising young lady in Bouchard, who won the girl's wimbledon junior title last year. Good too see Murray through after amidst the chaos and the draw has really opened up for him now. Nadal, Federer, Tsonga and Cilic are all out which means the highest ranked player on his side of the draw is 15th seed Nicolas Almagro. A similar story for Serena Williams who now becomes the even more favourite to win after Sharapova and Azarenka both departed.
Men's Second Round Selected Results:
(2) Murray beat Lu 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
Stakhovsky beat (3) Federer 6-7, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6.
Gulbis beat (6) Tsonga 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, ret.
De Schepper walkover (10) Cilic
(15) Almagro beat Rufin 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.
Mannarino beat (18) Isner 1-0 ret.
(20) Youzhny beat Pospisil 6-2, 6-7, 7-6, 3-6, 6-4.
Women's Second Round Selected Results:
Larcher De Brito beat (2) Sharapova 6-3, 6-4
Pennetta walkover (3) Azarenka
(8) Kvitova walkover Shevdova
Cetkovska beat (9) Wozniacki 6-2, 6-2.
Bouchard beat (12) Ivanovic 6-3, 6-3.
(15) Bartoli beat Mchale 7-5, 6-4.
Dolonc beat (16) Jankovic 7-5, 6-2.
(17) Stephens beat Petkovic 7-6, 2-6, 8-6.
(19) Suarez-Navarro beat Lucic-Baroni 1-6, 6-3, 6-3.
(20) Flipkens beat Jovanovski 6-4, 6-4.
Men's Doubles First Round Selected Results:
(9) Fleming/Marray beat Klizan/Zelenay 7-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
(16) Huey/Inglot beat Agut/Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.
Marrero/Seppi beat Edmund/Baker 6-4, 7-5, 6-2.
Matosevic/Moser beat Rice/Thornley 6-4, 6-3, 6-7, 4-6, 6-4.
Women's First Round Selected Results:
(1) Vinci/Errani beat Keothavong/Konta 6-3, 6-1.
(11) Black/Erakovic beat Jugic-Salkic/Watson 6-2, 6-0.
Raymond/Robson beat Schiavone/Stosur 6-3, 6-1.
Men's Performance of the Day: Stakhovsky for bringing back serve and volleying and sending Federer packing.
Women's Performance of the Day: Larcher De Brito for shrieking even louder than Sharapova and thus claiming vocal and tennis victory.
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