Krejcikova Saves Match Points to Beat Dart

Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, saved two match points to defeat Britain's Harriet Dart 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-5 in a tense, wind-affected first-round match at the Eastbourne Open. Krejcikova, recently returned from a lengthy injury break, struggled with the blustery conditions and received a time violation penalty, but rallied from 3-5 down in the final set as Dart failed to close out the match. Dart, ranked 124th, had two match points on her serve but was broken to love, showing clear frustration. The contest lasted two hours and forty minutes and marked just Krejcikova's second singles win on grass this season as she looks to defend her Wimbledon title. Krejcikova will face Jodie Burrage in the next round. The Eastbourne tournament also features top players such as Ons Jabeur, Jelena Ostapenko, and Emma Raducanu.