Pliskova sent packing by Rybarikova

One of the Wimbledon pre-tournament favourites Karolina Pliskova was dumped out in round two on Thursday, with Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova beating her 3-6 7-5 6-2 on Centre Court.

Czech third seed Pliskova came into the tournament on the back of a grasscourt title in Eastbourne but had never reached the third round at the All England Club.

She also had a shot at becoming the world number one if her rivals had made early exits.

But the 25-year-old looked lacklustre at times and lacked accuracy against experienced campaigner Rybarikova, whose never- say-die attitude was summed up by a net-side masterclass in the final game of the match that had the crowd gasping.

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