Iga Swiatek Survives First-Round Scare, Advances at Wimbledon 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek survived a tough opening-round test to defeat American Taylor Townsend 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 and advance to the second round of Wimbledon 2026.

After dominating the first set, the world No.3 was pushed into a decider before holding her nerve to avoid becoming only the third defending women’s champion to lose in the opening round. Last year’s finalist Amanda Anisimova also made a winning start, defeating Lina Gjorcheska 6-3, 6-2 in straight sets.

Former Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova returned to winning ways at the All England Club, beating fellow Czech Tereza Valentova 6-3, 6-4 for her first main-draw victory there since 2022.