French Open champion Francesca Schiavone has been beaten by Russian Vera Dushevina in the first round of Wimbledon.
Dushevina, ranked 47th in the world, defeated the No. 6-ranked Schiavone 6-7 (0), 7-5, 6-1 in nearly three hours on Monday.
Schiavone, a quarterfinalist at the All England Club last year, committed 38 unforced errors and struggled with her serve in the final set.
Two weeks ago in Paris, playing in her 39th major tournament, Schiavone made an improbable run to the title and became the first Italian women’s champion in the 126-year history of Grand Slam tennis.
Schiavone has lost both matches she has played since winning Roland Garros. She was beaten in the first round at Eastbourne last week.