Shock exit

RAFAEL NADAL, one of Andy Murray’s biggest rivals for the Wimbledon crown, slumped to a shock first-round defeat to the 135th ranked player in the world in one of the biggest upsets in SW19 history.

The Spanish world number five and former Wimbledon champion lost in straight sets to Belgian Steve Darcis. The defeat for Nadal, who was crowned French Open champion for a record eighth time earlier this month, now opens up the draw for Scotland’s world number two, who could have faced the Spanish maestro in the semi-finals.

By contrast, the Dunblane star cruised into the second round with a straight-sets victory over Germany’s Benjamin Becker on Centre Court in front of an army of fans. Picture: PA

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