Russian beauty Anna Kournikova bowed out of Wimbledon after she lost to compatriot Tatiana Panova 1-6 6-4 4-6 in the first round on Court Two. Kournikova's dismal recent run continued with the one-time semi-finalist having only won three out of her last 15 matches.
The consistent Panova crucially broke the pin-up in the seventh game of the final set. But Kournikova continued to give her trouble with some delightful drop volleys at the net. Panova had problems serving for the match and Kournikova failed to take advantage of three break point opportunities. She netted a simple forehand and Panova finally managed to convert her fourth match point opportunity and moved into the second round.
"I did not really expect to do very well in this tournament because obviously I'm not playing very well in the last two months or so. I was pretty surprised by how well it went and at the end I just could not finish it. I think it was a great match, there were some fun points and I just went out to try to enjoy myself and have a good time. That was my goal and I did it," said Kournikova.
Tatiana Panova beat Anna Kournikova - 1-6 6-4 4-6.
Filed by James Shortt
