London, July 1 -- Defending champion Iga Swiatek survived a major first-round scare before overcoming American Taylor Townsend 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 in a gripping Women's Singles contest on Centre Court to launch her Wimbledon title defence on Tuesday.
The third seed looked in complete control after wrapping up the opening set in just 31 minutes, but world No.79 Townsend, better known for her doubles exploits, mounted an impressive comeback to level the match and force a deciding set. Swiatek eventually held her nerve, overcoming nine double faults to seal victory in two hours and two minutes.
The victory ensured Swiatek avoided becoming only the third defending Wimbledon women's champion in the Open Era to lose in the opening round, after Steffi...