Krejcikova Battles Back Against Rising Star Eala to Win Wimbledon Opener

Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova powered back from a set down to beat Philippines star Alexandra Eala in the first round on Tuesday.

- Agencies

LONDON:

The Czech was outplayed in the first set but lost just three more games as she completed a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 win on a baking Centre Court.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Krejcikova has endured a difficult time since defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the final last year.

The 29-year-old was out of action until May after suffering a back injury and lost in the second round of the recent French Open.

Krejcikova pulled out of last week's Eastbourne Open before the quarter-finals with a thigh problem and had played just six matches this year before Tuesday's contest against Eala.

"I was in a lot of pain in my back and I didn't really know how my career was going to go," she said. "I'm super happy and super excited that I can be here and that I can play on such a great court."