Fourth seed Jessica Pegula bounced back from last year’s early exit by defeating Czech qualifier Darja Vidmanova in straight sets at Wimbledon 2026. Pegula, one of the seventh-seeded American players, triumphed 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the Ladies’ Singles second round.
Pegula swiftly claimed the first four games in a mere 10 minutes on Court 2. Despite Vidmanova’s comeback with three consecutive wins, Pegula managed to clinch the first set 7-5. In the second set, after some initial breaks, Pegula secured a 4-2 lead and eventually sealed the victory with another break.
Meanwhile, 16th seed Iva Jovic, aged 18, celebrated her first-ever main-draw win at Wimbledon by defeating Jaqueline Cristian 7-6(1), 6-0. Jovic dominated the tiebreak and then won six consecutive games in the second set to secure the win in one hour and 30 minutes.
Jessica Pegula is now set to face Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in the next round, while Iva Jovic awaits the winner between Tatjana Maria and Yulia Putintseva. American players Coco Gauff, Ann Li, Amanda Anisimova, Emma Navarro, and Madison Keys are also gearing up for their matches at Wimbledon.
