Wimbledon 2025 Begins: Alcaraz and Sabalenka Target Titles as Favorites Step on Court
LONDON — The wait is over. Wimbledon 2025 opens today at the All England Club, launching two weeks of high-stakes tennis on the sport’s most iconic grass courts.
Carlos Alcaraz, 22, returns as the two-time defending champion, aiming to complete a rare Wimbledon three-peat. Last year, he dethroned Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final, repeating the feat after first stopping him in 2023. Alcaraz, who captured his fifth major title earlier this month at the French Open after rallying from two sets down against Jannik Sinner, remains the top favorite on the men’s side.
“I’m ready. I’ve prepared, and I feel confident,” Alcaraz said last week, following a friendly round of golf with Andy Murray. Murray jokingly declared victory but noted the real competition begins on the court.
Djokovic, chasing a 25th Grand Slam title, continues to face stiff resistance from the sport’s new generation. Sinner, the world number one, has yet to reach a Wimbledon final but is expected to contend despite an early exit at the Halle Open.
Great Britain’s Jack Draper enters as the top-ranked local contender, supported by Jacob Fearnley and Cameron Norrie.
Sabalenka, Swiatek, and Gauff Lead Wide-Open Women’s Draw
Aryna Sabalenka begins her campaign seeking a first Wimbledon crown. She has reached five of the last six Grand Slam finals, though she lost both major title matches this year first to Madison Keys at the Australian Open, then to Coco Gauff at Roland Garros.
Sabalenka remains a top contender despite her runner-up streak. “I’ve learned from those matches. I know what I need to adjust,” she said during pre-tournament remarks.
Coco Gauff arrives in London off her French Open title win but has yet to move past the fourth round at Wimbledon. Meanwhile, world number one Iga Swiatek and 2022 champion Elena Rybakina also enter the tournament with strong momentum.
Barbora Krejcikova, last year’s winner, continues to recover from a thigh injury and faces Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in the first round. “I hope by Tuesday I’ll be ready. I want to compete,” she said on Sunday.
Emma Raducanu, Britain’s highest-ranked woman, opens her campaign with a difficult draw. If she advances, she could face 2019 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the second round and Sabalenka in round three. Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal also represent British hopes.
Doubles and Wheelchair Competition Add to the Stakes
In doubles, Britain’s Henry Patten teams again with Harri Heliovaara to defend their men’s title. They enter as the world’s number two pairing. The women’s doubles top seeds are Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.
The wheelchair competitions feature elite returning champions. Alfie Hewett defends both singles and doubles titles. His partnership with Gordon Reid has secured 20 major doubles titles. His primary singles rivals include Tokito Oda and Martin de la Puente.
In the women’s wheelchair field, Diede de Groot aims for her seventh Wimbledon singles title after returning from hip surgery. The Dutch star’s dominance faces new challenges, especially from Japan’s Yui Kamiji, who has claimed the last two Grand Slam titles.
The tournament runs through July 13, with matches broadcast across BBC platforms. Fans are already lining up for a chance to witness what could be another historic chapter at SW19.
