Game, set and shock

With seven titles in nine years from 19881996, Steffi Graf was well-nigh invincible on Centre Court.

In 1994, however, she opened up her defence of the Rosewater Dish, and lost in straight sets – the first time a defending champion had gone out in the First Round. Texan Lori Mcneil reached the semis, where she lost to Conchita Martinez.

It is one of sport’s great spectacles, with manicured lawns, Pimm’s and strawberries & cream providing the backdrop for some jaw-dropping tennis.

The opening week also has an unwritten tradition, namely big names coming an unexpected early cropper.

Here we look back on some of the big surprises from recent years.

With a smile that could light up a room, and talent to match, Coco Gauff was last year’s star.

The fact Venus Williams’ was winning Wimbledon before Coco was born mattered not a jot as she beat the legend on No. 1 Court. Another two successes for the young American led to a Centre Court loss to Simona Halep, who went on to become champion.

Roger Federer had reached 36 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals by the time he faced Ukrainian, Sergiy Stakhovsky. He was ranked 116 in the world, but secured an unlikely Wednesday night win before going out himself just two days later.