Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Wimbledon 2025 is underway and the opening day promises to be a treat for tennis fans worldwide. The sun is shining on the pristine grass courts, the crowds are ready, and the stage is set for a blockbuster day featuring some of the biggest names in tennis. From defending champions to local heroes, Day 1 is packed with stories that will shape the next fortnight at SW19.
Wimbledon 2025 is set to get underway today and the opening day promises to be a treat for tennis fans worldwide. The sun will be shining brighter in the pristine grass courts, the crowds are ready and the stage is set for a blockbuster day as some of the biggest names in tennis prepare to grace the courts of the All England Club.
Carlos Alcaraz returns to Centre Court as the reigning men's champion, eager to defend his crown and continue his hot streak after a triumphant Roland-Garros and another Queen’s title. For British No.1 Emma Raducanu it’s a chance to reconnect with the Wimbledon crowd and continue her journey back to the top while world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will look to stamp her authority in the women's draw.
Beyond these headliners, the day will also see a mix of experienced champions, promising teenagers and local hopes in action, setting up a lively drama-filled start to the SW19.
The 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz will open his campaign at Centre Court against Italy’s Fabio Fognini. The 38-year-old Italian may be one of the older players in the draw but his flair and unpredictability ensure he remains a dangerous opponent. The Spaniard, riding high on an 18-match winning streak, is aiming for a third consecutive Wimbledon title and brings the confidence of a champion who thrives on grass.
Alcaraz’s blend of athleticism, creativity and composure on grass makes him a joy to watch and his duel with Fognini promises an entertaining start with the possibility of fireworks if the Italian decides to bring his best.
Emma Raducanu begins her campaign against 17-year-old Welsh wildcard Mimi Xu in an all-British clash that will draw plenty of local interest. Raducanu, who is 22 years old, will bring a mix of experience and determination while Xu enters with nothing to lose, hoping to make the most of her Centre Court debut.
Raducanu remembers well what it was like to play Wimbledon as a fearless teenager and will be cautious of Xu’s energy and freedom. For Xu, this is a golden opportunity to test herself against a Grand Slam champion in front of a home crowd.
Aryna Sabalenka will kick off her Wimbledon campaign against Canada’s Carson Branstine, who has impressed during qualifying with wins over top-ranked players. Branstine, who has modelled to support her tennis career will be making her main draw Grand Slam debut at Wimbledon.
Sabalenka’s power and aggression make her a favourite but Branstine’s bold confidence and recent form suggest she will not be overawed by the occasion. This first-round clash on Court One could provide early drama if Branstine can handle Sabalenka’s intensity.
Katie Boulter faces a tough challenge against ninth seed Paula Badosa on Centre Court before third seed Alexander Zverev faces Arthur Rinderknech. Jacob Fearnley will take on Brazil’s exciting teenager Joao Fonseca on Court One in another match promising high energy and crowd engagement.
Meanwhile, former champion Marketa Vondrousova who is unseeded once again will face McCartney Kessler with the Czech seeking to rediscover her best form on the grass after a title in Berlin earlier this month. Elsewhere, Naomi Osaka, Ons Jabeur and Daniil Medvedev will be looking to make a strong start to their campaigns on a day packed with star power across the grounds.
As the gates open for Wimbledon 2025, fans are in for a treat as they experience a perfect blend of youth, experience and raw talent, setting the tone for a memorable fortnight. From Alcaraz’s title defence to Raducanu’s Centre Court return, Day 1 offers a taste of the excitement to come, as Wimbledon showcases tennis at its finest, capturing everything we love about this historic championship.
