Rafael Nadal made an early exit from the Wimbledon 2013 tournament. Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, meanwhile, advanced to the second round, USA Today Sports reports.
Nadal fell to Steve Darcis on Monday in the first round, marking the second straight year the Spaniard has lost early at Wimbledon. Nadal was "outplayed, outserved and ultimately ousted" by the No. 135 ranked Darcis, who won three straight sets, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (10-8), 6-4.
"I tried my best out there," Nadal told reporters after the match. "I had my chances, it wasn't possible."
Monday was the first time Nadal played since winning the 2013 French Open earlier in June. Nadal, a two-time Wimbledon champion, lost last year in the second round; Monday was his first first-round loss ever in a major.
Although dealing with soreness from his previous knee injury, Nadal didn't use it as an excuse.
"Anything I say about my knee sounds like an excuse," he said. "I just want to congratulate Steve Darcis."
Federer, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, had a much easier day on the grass court. He easily picked apart his opponent, Victor Hanescu. It took Federer only 68 minutes to win, 6-3, 6-2, 6-0.
"I'm happy to get out of there early and quickly," Federer told reporters. "So it was a perfect day."
Federer can make history at Wimbledon if he wins the event. Another title at the tournament will give him his eighth total, the most any player has ever won at Wimbledon.
Sharapova and Kristina Mladenovic's match followed Federer's win on Centre Court. Sharapova overcame a first-set tiebreaker and went on to win, 7-6 (5), 6-3.
Victoria Azarenka suffered a right knee injury during the second game of the second set of her match. She fell at the baseline, but ultimately continued after receiving medical treatment and a heavy wrap on her knee. Despite the injury, Azarenka beat Maria Joao Koehler, 6-1, 6-2.
No. 5 seed Sara Errani was dealt an early upset by Monica Puig. Puig, 19-years-old and playing her first professional grass-court match, beat Errani 6-3, 6-2.
Day two of Wimbledon continues on Tuesday.
