The grass courts of SW19 sprang to life as Wimbledon 2025 began under blazing summer skies. Day 1 delivered drama, dazzling performances, and a few early upsets, with British hope Emma Raducanu and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka both making strong statements in their opening matches.
Day 1 at a Glance
Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
Weather: Scorching, with temperatures soaring to 90°F (32°C)
Key Storylines: Raducanu’s all-British battle, Sabalenka’s title quest, surprise exits
Emma Raducanu Cruises in All-British Opener
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, kicked off her Wimbledon campaign in style. Facing 17-year-old compatriot Mingge (Mimi) Xu on No. 1 Court, Raducanu displayed poise and power to secure a 6-3, 6-3 victory.
Match Duration: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Key Stats:
- 25 winners to 12 unforced errors
- Won 75% of first-serve points
Raducanu acknowledged the challenge of playing a fellow Brit, especially one so young, and praised Xu’s potential:
“It’s really awkward playing a Brit, especially someone younger… She’s a great player with big weapons. I’m sure she’s going to do great things in the future.”
Raducanu now faces 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in what promises to be a blockbuster second-round clash.
Aryna Sabalenka Survives Heat and a Spirited Opponent
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and a three-time Grand Slam champion, overcame both the sweltering conditions and Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine. Sabalenka dominated the first set and held her nerve in the second, winning 6-1, 7-5.
Sabalenka’s Highlights:
- Used ice packs courtside to battle the heat
- Showed composure after a tight second set
- Remains a favorite for the title, seeking her first Wimbledon final appearance
Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and mental toughness were on full display, reinforcing her status as the tournament’s top contender.
Full List of Women’s Singles Winners and Losers – Day 1
Here’s a quick look at notable results from Day 1 in the women’s singles draw:
| Winner | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Raducanu | Mingge (Mimi) Xu | 6-3, 6-3 |
| Aryna Sabalenka | Carson Branstine | 6-1, 7-5 |
| Elise Mertens | Linda Fruhvirtova | 6-4, 6-2 |
| Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova | Ajla Tomljanovic | 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 |
| Viktoriya Tomova | Ons Jabeur (retired) | 7-6(5), 2-0 ret. |
| Sonay Kartal | Jelena Ostapenko | 7-5, 2-6, 6-2 |
| Marketa Vondrousova | McCartney Kessler (32) | 6-1, 7-6(3) |
Day 1 Highlights & Talking Points
Raducanu’s Return: The British star looked sharp and confident, delighting the home crowd.
Sabalenka’s Statement: The world No. 1 handled both the pressure and the heat, sending a message to her rivals.
Upsets and Retirements: Ons Jabeur’s emotional retirement and Ostapenko’s defeat were among the day’s surprises.
Weather Impact: The intense heat was a factor, with players using ice packs and extra hydration breaks.
What’s Next?
- Raducanu faces a stern test against Marketa Vondrousova in Round 2.
- Sabalenka continues her quest for a maiden Wimbledon crown.
- More top seeds and home favorites take to the courts on Day 2.
FAQs: Wimbledon Women’s 2025 Day 1
Q1: Who won Emma Raducanu’s first-round match at Wimbledon 2025?
A1: Emma Raducanu defeated fellow Brit Mingge (Mimi) Xu 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the second round.
Q2: How did Aryna Sabalenka perform on Day 1?
A2: Aryna Sabalenka beat Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5, overcoming both her opponent and the extreme heat.
Q3: Which top women’s seeds were eliminated on Day 1?
A3: Ons Jabeur retired due to injury while trailing Viktoriya Tomova, and Jelena Ostapenko lost to Sonay Kartal.
Q4: Who are the favorites for the Wimbledon 2025 women’s singles title?
A4: Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and defending champion Barbora Krejcikova are among the leading contenders.
Q5: When is the Wimbledon 2025 women’s singles final?
A5: The women’s singles final is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Wimbledon 2025 is off to a thrilling start, with homegrown heroes and world-class stars lighting up the lawns of London.
