Rafael Nadal in shock Wimbledon first round exit

Rafael Nadal went out of a grand slam in the opening round for the first time in his career today as his Wimbledon agony continued against Steve Darcis.

Steve Darcis celebrates his win against Rafael Nadal. Picture: Getty

• Rafael Nadal loses in first round of Wimbledon to Steve Darcis

• Belgian defeated Spaniard 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (10/8) 6-4

The 12-time major champion, fresh from winning a record eighth French Open just two weeks ago, returned to the All England Club hoping to make amends for last year’s second-round exit to Lukas Rosol, but was unable to make amends as he was beaten 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (10/8) 6-4.

That shock loss to Rosol was validated by the seven months he subsequently missed through a recurrence of his long-standing knee injury.

And although Darcis - a Belgian ranked at 135th in the world - played the match of his life, Nadal did seem to be troubled again today.