London, July 1 -- Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova avoided a first-round
upset with a hard-fought victory over promising youngster Alexandra Eala.
The Czech had been an injury doubt coming into the tournament but showed her experience to
begin her title defence with a 3-6 6-2 6-1 win on Centre Court today.
Krejcikova beat Italian Jasmine Paolini in last year's final to lift the trophy but has been hampered
by injury problems this year.
She endured a lengthy lay-off with a back injury, then had to pull out of Eastbourne last week because of a thigh injury.
Many anticipated her lack of match fitness - she has only played six matches this year - had laid the foundations for an upset at the All England Club against up-and-...