Two-time Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur retired due to breathing difficulties after being in tears during her first-round match against Viktoriya Tomova.

The 30-year-old, who has endured a torrid time with injuries, required a medical timeout in the first set of the contest on Court 14.

Having been in clear distress, she managed to play on in scorching temperatures before withdrawing while trailing 7-6 (5) 2-0 to Bulgarian world number 111 Tomova.

Jabeur, who was beaten in the 2022 and 2023 finals at SW19, has plummeted to 59 in the rankings amid ongoing fitness setbacks.

A shoulder issue led to a premature end to her 2024 season and, just three months into her return, she hobbled off court in tears at this year’s Miami Open after suffering a leg strain.

Tournament organisers later confirmed the Tunisian had experienced breathing issues.

“I wasn’t expecting not to feel good, I’ve been practising pretty well the last few days but I guess these things happen and I’m pretty sad,” said Jabeur.

“It doesn’t really help me with my confidence. I keep pushing myself, even though it was a very tough season for me, so I hope I can feel better and see what’s going to happen.”

World number one Aryna Sabalenka eased into the second round by defeating Canadian grand slam debutant Carson Branstine in straight sets.

The three-time major winner cruised through the opening set on Court One before securing a decisive break in game 11 of a closer second en route to a 6-1 7-5 success.

Belarusian Sabalenka, who missed last year’s championship due to a shoulder injury and has never been past the semi-finals, could meet British number one Emma Raducanu in round three.

“I’m super happy to be back, to be healthy and to compete at this beautiful tournament,” she said in her on-court interview.

“I was really depressed last year that I couldn’t feel this atmosphere and I’m super happy with the performance. I feel like I’m in a good place.”

Marketa Vondrousova – the 2023 champion – set up a second-round clash with home favourite Raducanu by defeating American McCartney Kessler.

The 26-year-old Czech backed up her recent success at the Berlin Open with a 6-1 7-6 (3) victory over the 32nd seed, who won in Nottingham this summer.

Australian Open champion Madison Keys avoided an upset by coming from a set down to scrape past Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

The 30-year-old American sixth seed prevailed 6-7 (4) 7-5 7-5.

Last year’s runner-up Jasmine Paolini also survived a scare, coming from a set down to defeat Latvian world number 402 Anastasija Sevastova 2-6 6-3 6-2.

Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka overcame Australia’s Talia Gibson 6-4 7-6 (4), while Lulu Sun, who knocked out Raducanu in round four last year, lost 6-4 6-4 to Marie Bouzkova.

Fourteenth seed Elina Svitolina won 6-3 6-1 against Hungarian Anna Bondar.