Wimbledon, Day 4 women’s roundup: Defending champ Kerber knocked out; Barty, Serena advance

Angelique Kerber’s defence of her Wimbledon title came to an early end after being knocked out in the second round by lucky loser Lauren Davis 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 on Thursday.

The 31-year-old German, who came into the tournament in form having reached the final at Eastbourne, made her earliest exit since losing in the same round in 2013.

Davis has now equalled her best previous performance at Wimbledon in reaching the third round where she will play Spanish 30th seed Carla Suarez Navarro for a place in the last 16.

“This means everything as it is what I work for,” said Davis.

“I was a bit nervous and I slid and hurt my foot in the first set. I am so happy to win, it is

The defending #Wimbledon champion is out!

World No.95 and lucky loser Lauren Davis beats Angelique Kerber coming from a set down to win 2-6 6-2 6-1

Upset of The Championships? pic.twitter.com/Qf9c26a54I
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2019

Davis, who had strapping on her leg and shoulder, had been ranked outside the top 250 earlier this year but has risen back into the top 100.

“Yeah its been a tough journey and a process of learning and growing as a player and person,” she said. “The drop in ranking has made this win even more fulfilling.”

Davis said of course doubts had set in but deep down she always had belief she could succeed.

“I believe in my ability,” she said. “For me in the match the turning point was when I was 3-2 up in the second set and I said to myself you belong here, you can do this.”

Ashleigh Barty’s bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year stayed on track with a 6-1, 6-3 second round victory over Belgium’s Alison van Uytvanck on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Australian world No 1 will play either British wild card Harriet Dart or Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia for a place in the last 16.

“I had to make a lot of returns first and foremost and then try and nullify her variety a little bit,” she said.

Barty seized the initiative from the outset on Thursday breaking Van Uytvanck, who had eliminated 2017 champion Garbine Muguruza in the second round of last year’s tournament, twice in succession.

She repeated that in the second set and although the 25-year-old Belgian broke Barty when she served for the match, the Australian made no mistake when presented with a match point on her opponent’s serve in the following game.

Seven-time champion Serena Williams survived a scare to come through and reach the third round, beating Slovenian qualifier Kaja Juvan 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.

The 37-year-old American – bidding to join Margaret Court with a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title – struggled to impose herself on an opponent ranked 133 in the world.

“She played well and then I started out a little slow,” said Williams, who was watched by close friend, Britain’s Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

“It brings the best out of me the pressure. I play best when I am down sometimes. I am a fighter I never give up.”

Juvan showed few signs of nerves despite the reputation of her rival and being on Court One.

Williams made countless errors – netting normally easy volleys and loose forehands – allowing Juvan to keep her hopes alive even when she drew level at one set all.

The American, whose season has been affected by a knee problem, looked to be in control serving for the match having broken the 18-year-old twice.

However, the Slovenian, who beat star American teenager Coco Gauff to qualify for the French Open this year, fought mightily to break her.

However, Williams made no errors at the second opportunity serving for the match

Also easing through was 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens who took the first eight games against her Chinese opponent Wang Yafan before winning 6-0, 6-2.

Stephens, seeded nine, will play either British 19th seed Johanna Konta who beat Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.