Elena Rybakina began the defence of her Wimbledon title on Tuesday with Roger Federer watching as a Royal Box guest on Centre Court.
Last season’s surprise champion staged a fightback over American Shelby Rogers 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 a month after quitting the French Open with illness and playing only two run-up matches on grass last month.
Rybakina admitted that her nerves on the showcase court did not diminished despite winning the title over Ons Jabeur last summer.
She jokingly blamed the presence of the iconic Swiss just a few meters from the baseline.
“Maybe that’s why I was nervous because actually I really like Roger. When I was younger, I was always watching him play.”
Rybakinc added: “It was really tough for me today, I was pretty nervous.
“You could see in the first set, I could not hide it. The beginning of the match said it all.
“I’m just pleased to get to another round,” the fifth seed said. “I’m enjoying the moment here and am feeling much better physically.
“It was not easy to get back to fitness and physical condition.”
Rain began around midday in SW 19 and resulted in waves of match cancellations on Day 2 at the All England Club, with the list of contests still to be played approached 50.
Among matches forced off court by the poor weather were former US Open winner Dominic Thiem versus Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dane Holger Rune playing British wild card George Loffhagen and 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini facing fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
Reigning champion Rybakina was joined in the second round by 2022 runner-up Ons Jabeur, with the sixth seed advancing past Pole Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-3 in 76 minutes on the day of disaster-level scheduling.
The Tunisian winner broke four times in the efficient victory.
“It always feels so great to come back here,” she said.
“Last year I had an amazing run, so hopefully this year will be a little bit better.”
