The opening day of Wimbledon 2025 delivered high drama, with a major upset, a heartbreaking retirement, and standout performances from young talent, all under record-breaking heat at the All England Club.
Tsitsipas Retires, Royer Advances
Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas, a former World No. 3, was forced to retire from his first-round match against French qualifier Valentin Royer due to a persistent back injury. Royer, ranked No. 99 and making his Wimbledon debut, led 6-3, 6-2 when Tsitsipas called it quits. The 26-year-old, who described himself as feeling “fragile” despite extensive fitness and physiotherapy efforts, hinted at possibly taking time off if his injury woes continue. “If I’m not healthy… your whole tennis life becomes miserable,” Tsitsipas said. Royer advances to face compatriot Adrian Mannarino in the second round, marking a dream start to his Wimbledon campaign.
Bonzi Stuns Medvedev in First-Round Shocker
In a massive upset, World No. 64 Benjamin Bonzi defeated ninth seed Daniil Medvedev 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2, handing the former US Open champion his first-ever first-round exit at Wimbledon. Bonzi’s precise baseline play and dominant serve, particularly in the tiebreaks, proved too much for Medvedev, who has struggled at Grand Slams in 2025 following losses at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. “This win is special,” Bonzi said, expressing his love for Wimbledon. He now leads Medvedev 2-0 in their head-to-head and will face Jordan Thompson in the second round.
Fonseca Shines in Debut
Eighteen-year-old Joao Fonseca announced his arrival on the grass with a commanding 6-4, 6-1, 7-6(5) victory over British wildcard Jacob Fearnley. The Brazilian, the first 18-year-old to reach the second round since Carlos Alcaraz in 2021, showcased maturity with 84% first-serve points won and 11 aces. Following breakout performances in 2024—including an ATP title in Buenos Aires and a third-round run at Roland Garros—Fonseca climbs to No. 51 in the ATP Live Rankings. “Work, believe, dream,” Fonseca said, crediting his mantra for his rapid rise. He faces either Tallon Griekspoor or Jenson Brooksby next.
Alcaraz Survives Fognini in Five-Set Epic
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz battled through a grueling four-hour match to defeat 38-year-old Fabio Fognini 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. Despite Fognini’s 10-match losing streak, the Italian pushed Alcaraz to the limit in his final Wimbledon appearance, earning a standing ovation. Alcaraz, now 15-1 in fifth sets and 18-0 in Grand Slam first rounds, continues his pursuit of a third consecutive Wimbledon title. “Fabio could still compete at a high level for years,” Alcaraz said, honouring his opponent. The Spaniard, who won Roland Garros and two ATP Masters 1000 titles this season, faces British qualifier Oliver Tarvet next.
Nicolas Jarry Stuns No. 8 Seed Holger Rune in Epic Wimbledon Comeback
In a thrilling Day 1 upset at Wimbledon, Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry staged a remarkable comeback to defeat No. 8 seed Holger Rune 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. The match, played on the iconic grass courts, showcased Jarry’s resilience as he overcame a two-set deficit, a feat rare in ATP play where only 15% of matches see such reversals, according to the Journal of Sports Sciences. Rune, once ranked No. 4, struggled with consistency, his 2025 win rate dipping to 58% from 67% in 2023, possibly due to coaching changes. This upset joins early exits of top seeds like Tsitsipas and Medvedev, reflecting a 2024 trend where 22% of top-10 players fell early at Wimbledon. Jarry’s victory, celebrated with a fist pump, signals a competitive tournament ahead, challenging predictions favoring higher-ranked players.
Hottest Opening Day Adds Intensity
The scorching conditions—the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history—tested players’ endurance, amplifying the drama of these early matches. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether Alcaraz can maintain his dominance, if Bonzi can build on his upset, and whether young stars like Fonseca can continue their ascent.
