(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal crashed to an early upset defeat at Wimbledon for the second year in a row as the fifth seed was sent packing in straight sets Monday by Belgian Steve Darcis in their first round match. Looking a shadow of the player who claimed a record eighth French Open title earlier this month, the Spaniard succumbed meekly 7-6 7-6 6-4 in a shade short of three hours on Court One. Last year he was beaten in the second round by Czech Lukas Rosol, the prelude to a lengthy injury layoff which saw him miss the London Olympics and the next two grand slams.
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Rafael Nadal crashes to sensational first round defeat at Wimbledon
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Beaten in straight sets by unseeded Belgian Steve Darcis
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Defending champion Roger Federer coasts through his opening match
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Pays tribute to Nelson Mandela after his victory
Wimbledon
Wimbledon
But coming into @placeholder and despite his lack of preparation on grass, Nadal was rated among the favorites despite his lowly seeding.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
After claiming the first two sets on tiebreaks, the second time after coming back from a break down to @placeholder, Darcis made an early breakthrough to lead 2-0 in the third set.