Wimbledon: Defending champion Krejcikova starts defence with win

Defending champion of Wimbledon, 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 in a 3-6 6-2 6-1 win on Centre Court.

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-coming 20-year-old Filipino Eala.