Wimbledon 2025 kicked off with intense drama and record-breaking heat as Carlos Alcaraz narrowly survived a grueling five-set encounter on Day 1, while Aryna Sabalenka showcased dominance to advance comfortably. The hottest opening day in Wimbledon history saw temperatures soar above 32 degrees Celsius, challenging players as they battled for early tournament survival.
World number two Carlos Alcaraz faced a stern test in his opening round match against veteran Fabio Fognini. The Spaniard prevailed in a marathon match lasting four hours and 37 minutes, with a final scoreline of 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. Marking the first time since 2010 that a defending Wimbledon champion was pushed to a fifth set in the opening round, Alcaraz’s resilience shone through despite an inconsistent display marked by 62 unforced errors. Alcaraz now looks ahead to a second round clash against British qualifier Oliver Tarvet as he aims to join Wimbledon legends like Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic by securing his third consecutive title.
Aryna Sabalenka maintained composure in the sweltering heat, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness to move into round two with relative ease. The women’s matches were subject to Wimbledon’s heat rule, allowing additional breaks when temperatures exceeded 30.1 degrees Celsius, ensuring player safety amid record-setting weather.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev faced a shocking defeat on Day 1, exiting the tournament prematurely amidst fierce competition and challenging conditions. His surprising loss opened up the draw further, adding intrigue to the men’s singles bracket.
With temperatures peaking at over 32 degrees Celsius, the hottest start to Wimbledon since records began, the All England Club implemented its heat rule to protect players. This measure grants a 10-minute break during matches when the heat stress index hits or exceeds 30.1 degrees Celsius, helping athletes manage the extreme conditions.