A relieved Iga Swiatek cried on court after she began her Wimbledon title defence with a stuttering three-set victory over Taylor Townsend.
The Pole evoked memories of her crushing 6-0 6-0 final victory over Amanda Anisimova 12 months ago as she dropped just one game in the opening set.
However, the third seed had to fight through her own frustration and an increased level from her American opponent to win 6-1 2-6 6-3 in just over two hours.
After letting out a roar of celebration, Swiatek became tearful and hid her face in her towel as she took a few moments to collect herself.
Her father and sister, sitting on the front row of the Royal Box, then joined in the ovation as she walked over to carry out her post-match interview.
“I’m not sure if I’m able to talk that much – it was a tough couple of weeks. Not a season where everything went how I wanted,” the 25-year-old said.
“I don’t think I won any three-set matches this year, so I’m happy I could do it here.”
Swiatek later said the “whole process” of opening play on Centre Court as the defending champion had been “really emotional”.
“Last year probably the most amazing thing in my tennis career happened here,” she said.
“I felt it also today. But it was a mix of different emotions.”