New Delhi, June 30 -- Defending champion Iga Swiatek got her Wimbledon title defense off to a nervy start but showed real fight to beat Taylor Townsend 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 on Centre Court. The match lasted two hours and two minutes and left the Polish star emotionally drained as she sat courtside with her head buried in a towel for several minutes after the final point.

Getting through the tricky opener on Centre Court gives Iga Swiatek a much-needed lift. Defending a title is never straightforward, and surviving a tough first-round test against a dangerous opponent will help her settle into the tournament.

Iga Swiatek raced through the opening set 6-1 and looked in control. Townsend then raised her game completely in the second set, breaking...