Shock start to Wimbledon as top seed is knocked out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lleyton Hewitt yesterday became the first defending men's champion since 1967 to lose in the first round at Wimbledon when the top seed was dumped from the Grand Slam event by an unknown Croat.
Ivo Karlovic, who is ranked 203rd in the world, took two hours and 24 minutes to defeat Hewitt 1-6, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Centre Court. At 6ft, 11 inches, he is almost a foot taller than the Australian. Hewitt, however, has amassed career earnings of more than £10m, compared to the £93,500 mustered so far by his unlauded opponent.
Karlovic, 24, is playing in his first Grand Slam tournament.
Britain's Greg Rusedski progressed into the second round with a straight-sets win - 7-6, 7-5, 7-6 - over Alexander Waske, of Germany, to set up a match with Andy Roddick, the American number-five seed, who also won yesterday.
The only other time a defending champion has suffered such an aborted title defence was 36 years ago when Manuel Santana went out to Charles Pasarell.
The victorious Karlovic said afterwards that his height had always been "his little difficulty''.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments