Wimbledon 2025 opened under blistering conditions, with air temperatures touching 32°C, the hottest first day in the tournament’s history. Amid the soaring heat, defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz survived a major scare, while top women’s seed Aryna Sabalenka breezed through her opener. However, not all stars were as fortunate, with high-profile early exits and emotional moments defining day one.
Alcaraz battles Fognini and the heat
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz needed every ounce of energy and nearly five hours to edge out 38-year-old Fabio Fognini in a five-set thriller on Centre Court: 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. It marked the first time since Roger Federer in 2010 that a defending Wimbledon men’s champion was pushed to five sets in the opening round.
The Spanish star, who committed 62 unforced errors, admitted he was not at his best but credited Fognini’s performance. “I don’t know why it’s his last Wimbledon,” Alcaraz said, praising the veteran Italian’s level. He also won hearts by rushing to help a spectator who collapsed due to the heat, offering his water bottle before medics arrived.
Alcaraz now faces British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round, continuing his quest to become just the fifth man in the Open Era to win three straight Wimbledon titles.
Sabalenka stays cool under pressure
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka made a confident start, defeating Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5. Using ice packs between games, the Belarusian powered through her first match since missing last year’s tournament due to a shoulder injury. She now faces Czech player Marie Bouzkova in the second round.
“I felt really great,” Sabalenka said. “Super grateful to be healthy and through the first round.”
Tears for Jabeur, tough exits for Medvedev and Tsitsipas
There was heartbreak for two-time finalist Ons Jabeur, who tearfully retired against Viktoriya Tomova while trailing 7-6(5), 2-0. Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev fell in four sets to France’s Benjamin Bonzi, and Stefanos Tsitsipas retired due to a back injury while down two sets to French qualifier Valentin Royer.
British success, Raducanu advances
Seven British players won on opening day, a first in the professional era, led by Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, and teenager Sonay Kartal, who stunned former French Open champ Jelena Ostapenko.
Wimbledon’s heat rule was activated, allowing players to take breaks when the temperature stress index crossed 30.1°C. Tournament chief Sally Bolton acknowledged the unique conditions but noted, “These athletes play in heat all year.”