Chwalinska's Wimbledon Campaign Ends After Injury on Match Point
Maja Chwalinska, who reached the French Open final as a qualifier last month, was on the verge of winning her first-round match at Wimbledon before an injury altered the outcome.
The Polish player, 24, had impressed at Roland Garros in June, advancing to the final as a qualifier. At Wimbledon, she appeared poised to continue her strong form, leading 6-2, 5-2 against Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew on the opening day at SW19.
Chwalinska earned a match point on her opponent's serve but slipped while chasing a forehand at the back of the court, falling awkwardly. She rose cautiously and touched the back of her right ankle, showing visible discomfort.
Despite Sawangkaew holding serve, Chwalinska requested a physiotherapist and received a medical timeout, during which she placed an ice towel on her face. Her ankle was heavily strapped afterward.
Following the injury treatment, Chwalinska lost the next five games, allowing Sawangkaew to level the match. Her mobility deteriorated further in the third set, and she also appeared to be experiencing lower back pain. Ultimately, Chwalinska was defeated 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.
After the match, the players embraced at the net. A group of Polish fans chanted Chwalinska's name as she exited the court, with an official assisting by carrying her kit bag to help protect her back.
"It's Wimbledon. I don't want to retire [injured] in Wimbledon," Chwalinska said. "I think I would have many regrets if I would retire, so I just wanted to continue."
Pegula Breaks Wimbledon 'Curse' with First-Round Win
Earlier in the day, American fourth seed Jessica Pegula joked about overcoming her Wimbledon difficulties after advancing to the second round, a year after a surprising first-round exit.
Pegula, considered one of the favorites last year following a grass-court title in Bad Homburg, had been confident going into the tournament. Her friend and podcast co-host, Jennifer Brady, 2021 Australian Open runner-up, had texted her on the eve of last year's Wimbledon, saying, "I think you're winning Wimbledon." However, Pegula was eliminated in 58 minutes by Elisabetta Cocciaretto, losing 6-2, 6-3.
This year, Pegula showed improved form, defeating Czech player Darja Vidmanova 7-5, 6-3 on the opening day.
Despite Brady being unable to attend the match's start, Pegula left her a ticket and reflected on her progress.
"She was like, I'm not going to mess anything up. We have not talked about my results this year at Wimbledon," Pegula said. "The curse has been lifted, for sure. I definitely wanted to redeem myself a bit from last year's exit and then also the early exit at the French [Open]."
Pegula, who had recently defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin, will next face Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo.
Additional Wimbledon Highlights
- Defending champion Jannik Sinner survived a five-set match.
- Six British players were eliminated on the first day, including Dan Evans and Liam Broady.
For more information, follow live coverage from day one at Wimbledon, including live scores, results, and order of play. Stay updated with the latest tennis news delivered directly to your phone.
