Wimbledon 2012: Day 1 Scores, Results and Recap
The first day of Wimbledon 2012 was bursting with storylines, as several big names rolled through to the second round, while a few others were sent packing in shocking fashion.
Two Americans, No. 11 John Isner on the men's side and the legendary Venus Williams on the women's side, were both eliminated by lesser-known players. Williams was completely dominated, losing in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 to Elena Vesnina, while Isner fell to 73rd-ranked Alejandro Valla 6-4, 6-7 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5.
Both results were surprising, but neither Williams nor Isner was the most disappointing player of the day. That's because No. 6-seed and 2010 Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych "earned" that distinction with his lackluster performance against 23-year-old Ernests Gulbis.
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"Upset of the day alert! 6th seed Tomas Berdych flies out of Wimbledon 7-6 7-6 7-6 to Ernests Gulbis
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 25, 2012"
Other than those three matches, everything went according to plan at Day 1 of Wimbledon 2012. The following world-class players cruised to first-round victories.
Men's Bracket
No. 1 Novak Djokovic
The defending champ was in top form Monday, defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. Djokovic had 13 aces on the day and only lost nine points on his first serve.
It was a dominant performance from Djokovic, the kind of effort you should expect from a man who has won three of the last four Grand Slam titles. He also provided a little comedic relief for the fans, "accidentally" pulling a golf club out of his bag instead of his racket.
Djokovic will continue his pursuit of his sixth career Grand Slam title by taking on American Ryan Harrison in the second round. Although I think Djokovic will move on, it certainly won't be easy, as David Law of BBC Radio mentioned earlier.
"Ryan Harrison beating Lu in the first round sets up a fascinating round two clash with Novak #Djokovic. Harrison can push Novak.
— DavidLaw (@DavidLawTennis) June 25, 2012"
No. 3 Roger Federer
For the first time since 2003, the six-time Wimbledon champ played his opening match on Court 1, instead of Centre Court.
Despite the change of scenery, he was just as dominant once again on the grass of the All England Club. Federer easily dispatched Albert Ramos 6-1, 6-1, 6-1.
It was an impressive display from Federer, and as ESPN Stats & Info pointed out, it may have been his best first round ever at Wimbledon.
"Roger Federer wins 60th match at Wimbledon (4th player to reach 60 in Open Era). 3 games lost are his fewest in 1st round in Wimbl. career
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 25, 2012"
Federer will play Fabio Fognini in the second round.
Women's Bracket
No. 1 Maria Sharapova
The 2012 French Open winner continued her success on Monday, beating Anastasia Rodionova 6-2, 6-3. It wasn't an easy victory, but the 2004 Wimbledon champion will take it.
Sharapova won the first five games of the match before Rodionova finally got comfortable. It was the perfect first-round draw for Sharapova, as she had some time to adjust to the grass and find a rhythm.
She will face a tough test in the second round, as 2010 Wimbledon semifinalist Tsvetana Pironkova will be on the other side of the net.
No. 3 Agnieszka Radwanska
The 23-year-old Polish star cruised to a straight-set victory over Slovakian Magdalena Rybarikova 6-3, 6-3.
Radwanska was impressive throughout, but she will need to be even better in the next round. She will face Elena Vesnina in the second round. Judging by her performance Monday against Venus Williams, Vesnina will not be intimidated by Radwanska or her standing as one of the top three players in the world.
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