She was just getting on top in the second set, and was a break up, when the clouds opened, and the players had to break for rain.

But after the break Dokic lost her way and her lead to slip out of the tournament.

"I just didn't play well enough to win," she said. "After the rain I just couldn't get into rallies and I gave a lot of points away."

Important tennis

Hantuchova had to field the inevitable questions concerning endorsements and her off-court activities after the match, but the 19 year old played it down with the skill of an old pro.

"People like to talk about the other things too, but I think that I've proved this tournament that they can talk about my tennis.

"I think I've proved that my tennis is the most important thing for me."

Although she is the 11th seed, this is the furthest Hantuchova has gone in a Grand Slam tournament.

Her only tournament success so far came in the prestigious Indian Wells final when she beat Martina Hingis.

"I think it's one of my biggest wins because this is a Grand Slam and that really means something," she said.

She now faces Serena Williams and is not likely to lack for support.

"Here in England I'm getting a lot of fans and it's getting very exciting," she said.

There were plenty of young men at Wimbledon who would agree with her.