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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Andy Sims

Wimbledon 2019: Defending champion Angelique Kerber knocked out by Lauren Davis in second round

Defending Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber wilted on Court Two as she blew a one-set lead to bow out against lucky loser Lauren Davis.

The German, a surprise absentee from the main show courts due to a packed schedule, took the opening set 6-2.

But Kerber won just three more games as American Davis, beaten in qualifying but handed a second chance in the main draw, won 2-6 6-2 6-1 to knock out the fifth seed.

World number one Ashleigh Barty suffered no such trouble on the same court, the Australian sweeping past Alison Van Uytvanck 6-1 6-3.

Barty will face Harriet Dart, who was joined in round three by fellow Brit Johanna Konta, a straight-sets winner against Katerina Siniakova.

Sloane Stephens awaits British number one Konta, the American ninth seed dropping just two games against China's Wang Yafan.

Two-time champion Petra Kvitova is through after a straight-sets win over Kristina Mladenovic of France.

The Czech sixth seed triumphed 7-5 6-2 in an hour and 25 minutes on Court One.

Fourth seed Kiki Bertens came from a set down to beat American Taylor Townsend 3-6 7-6 (5) 6-2.

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