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Lauren Davis hails Angelique Kerber scalp as biggest win of career

Defending champion is going home.

Lauren Davis realised a dream by playing at Wimbledon and then stunned defending champion Angelique Kerber in the second round.

The American celebrated Independence Day in style by beating the German fifth seed 2-6 6-2 6-1 on Court Two.

The 25-year-old should not even be in the main draw after a defeat in qualifying, but was given a spot at SW19 as a lucky loser just two hours later and has not looked back.

Having seen off Kateryna Kozlova in the first round, Davis then pulled off the biggest win of her career by sending Kerber packing on day four.

She said: "Yeah, definitely been incredible. I was super disappointed having lost last round of qualies.

"I found out less than two hours later that I got into main. I was ecstatic about that. It's honestly a dream being here. I played qualies last year, so I wasn't able to come here.

"But, yeah, it feels amazing. It means everything because this is what I strive for, this is what I work for. Yeah, it's still setting in. It's definitely surreal.

"But, yeah, definitely happy with the way that I played. This is, I'd say, probably the biggest win of my career, especially considering the circumstances, her being the champion last year.

"I wouldn't say that I was surprised because I always believe in myself. She's (Kerber) obviously an incredible champion. I have immense respect for her. I definitely believe in myself and believe that I can hang with these girls and beat them."

Despite not winning a tournament since beating Serena Williams in the final at the All England Club last year, Kerber has shown some good recent form, including reaching the final in Eastbourne last week.

The 31-year-old avoided becoming the first ladies' champion to be defeated in the first round the following year since Steffi Graf in 1994 after beating compatriot Tatjana Maria on Tuesday.

Angelique Kerber crashed out
Angelique Kerber crashed out (Steven Paston/PA)

But despite taking the first set, she struggled to get into her groove on Thursday and paid the ultimate price.

"I was trying to find my game the whole match actually. I was not really feeling good from the beginning. I don't know why. I mean, the energy was not there," she said.

"She played good. She played very well in the last set, as well. Yeah, I tried. She is also really tricky opponent. She played a lot of slice. She moved good in the third set.

"I was not able to finish the match in the way I would like to."

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