The third Grand Slam of season delivered an absorbing opening day in south-west London
©Corinne Dubreuil / FFTThe All England Club gates opened on Monday, thousands upon thousands flocked in to stroll around the pristine, in bloom grounds in SW19. It can only mean one thing, it’s time for Wimbledon.
Plenty of title contenders began their campaign, as fans were treated to plenty of showstopping performances. Here are the key headlines…
The leading charges in men’s tennis Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz evaded real danger at the first hurdle.
The World No.1 found the answers to down Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 on No.1 Court.
“First round matches are never easy and to the next round I have to raise my level,” said the Italian, who meets his countryman Matteo Berrettini next.
"Tough match that’s for sure. He played the final here (2021), he knows very well how to play on this surface. Every day is different and let’s see what’s coming."
Opening proceedings on Centre Court, Alcaraz opened his title defence in an entertaining 7-6(3), 7-5, 6-2 tussle with Estonian qualifier Mark Lajal.
“I still get nerves and excitement a lot stepping on this court. It’s such a privilege. It’s the most beautiful court I’ve played on. I practised here for 45 mins last Thursday and it’s the first time I’ve been nervous during a practice. Just walking around here I got goosebumps,” revealed the Spaniard.
“During the match, the memories of last year came back a little bit but I tried not to think about it. That was a totally different tournament and I have to be focused on my game to achieve the same as last year.”
Unfortunately, world No.3 Aryna Sabalenka’s Wimbledon dream was over before it started.
“I’m heartbroken to have to tell you all that I won’t be able to play The Championships this year,” Sabalenka posted on social media.
“I tried everything to get myself ready but unfortunately my shoulder is not co-operating. I pushed myself to the limit in practice today to try my best, but my team explained that playing would only make things much worse.”
Roland-Garros runner-up Jasmine Paolini began with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Sara Sorribes Tormo.
In 2023, Coco Gauff was stunned in the first round by fellow American Sofia Kenin. 12 months on, the No.2 seed erased that heartbreak with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 scoreboard against countrywoman Caroline Dolehide.
No.14 seed Daria Kasatkina, Eastbourne champion at the weekend, transferred that form to London with a 6-3, 6-0 dismissal of Zhang Shuai.
Other seeded talent such as Maria Sakkari, Marta Kostyuk and Madison Keys sailed through.
However, Wimbledon debutant Lulu Sun stunned No.8 seed Zheng Qinwen 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 and No.24 seed Mirra Andreeva was sent out 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 by fellow 17-year-old Brenda Fruhvirtova. On the other hand, sister Erika Andreeva, utilising her Lucky Loser spot from replacing Sabalenka, edged Emina Bektas 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-3.
Four-time major winner Noami Osaka’s first match at Wimbledon since 2019 ended in a 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 triumph over Diane Parry.
British superstar Emma Raducanu defied Renata Zarazua 7-6(0), 6-3 earlier on Centre Court.
There were a series of rollercoaster men’s matches going the distance on Monday.
Qualifier Lloyd Harris completed a 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 7-6[11-9] thriller with Alex Michelsen with a gobsmacking match point – make sure you watch it in the video below!
Arthur Cazaux pipped a match tie-break 10-8 in the decider versus qualifier Zizou Bergs. Aleksandar Vukic also enjoyed a dramatic 10-8 match tie-break win over the net from Sebastian Ofner. As a reward the Australian will meet reigning champion Alcaraz in the second round.
For the first time in his career, No.29 seed Frances Tiafoe erased a two-set deficit in a first-round thriller with Matteo Arnaldi. No.23 seed Alexander Bublik achieved the same feat to overcome Jakub Mensik, as did Jordan Thompson, battling back from the brink with Pavel Kotov.
World No.16 Ugo Humbert found the answers in five with Alexander Shevchenko.
No.5 seed Daniil Medvedev outmanoeuvred Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 and No.8 seed Casper Ruud is up and running 7-6(2), 6-4, 6-4 past Australian qualifier Alex Bolt.
No.10 seed Grigor Dimitrov navigated past Dusan Lajovic in straight sets, whilst Gaël Monfils bolstered French hopes, taking out compatriot Adrian Mannarino in four sets to book a popcorn second round with Stan Wawrinka.
2021 semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov portrayed his grass court prowess with a 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 victory over No.19 seed Nicolas Jarry. Recent Queen’s winner Tommy Paul took down Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.
Click here for the women’s draw and latest results. Over on the men’s side, here are the draw and latest results from SW19.
ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
