Wimbledon 2025 kicked off in style with the Round of 128 in the Women’s Singles draw featuring powerful performances, surprise exits, and an intense spotlight on Canadian contenders. The grass at SW19 saw battles from dawn to dusk, with Canadian tennis fans particularly tuned in to see how their homegrown talent would fare.
Sabalenka Overpowers Branstine, Fernandez Advances in Style
Canada’s wild card entrant Carson Branstine faced a tough draw against world No. 3 and tournament favorite Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian showed no mercy, storming past Branstine in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5, on Court 1. Despite the early exit, Branstine held her ground in the second set, pushing Sabalenka to dig deep.
Meanwhile, Leylah Fernandez gave Canadian fans a reason to cheer. Seeded No. 29, she dominated British teen Hannah Klugman with a confident 6-1, 6-3 victory. Fernandez’s experience and poise under pressure marked a strong start to her Wimbledon campaign.
British Stars and Former Champs Make Their Mark
Emma Raducanu looked right at home on her return to Wimbledon, easily dispatching compatriot Miyu Xu 6-3, 6-3 in a composed performance. Fellow Brit Katie Boulter thrilled the home crowd, edging out Spain’s Paula Badosa in a tight three-setter: 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
Surprise results weren’t in short supply either. Great Britain’s Sonay Kartal stunned 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko, winning 7-5, 2-6, 6-2, and Mexico’s Renata Zarazua cruised past Ysaline Bonaventure 6-0, 6-3.
Notable Round of 128 Results – Women’s Singles
- 🇺🇸 Madison Keys def. 🇷🇴 Elena Ruse – 6-7(4), 7-5, 7-5
- 🇮🇹 Jasmine Paolini def. 🇱🇻 Anastasija Sevastova – 2-6, 6-3, 6-2
- 🇧🇷 Beatriz Haddad Maia [21] def. 🇸🇰 Rebecca Sramkova – 7-6(7), 6-4
- 🇯🇵 Naomi Osaka def. 🇦🇺 Talia Gibson – 6-4, 7-6(4)
- 🇺🇸 Amanda Anisimova [13] crushed 🇰🇿 Yulia Putintseva – 6-0, 6-0
- 🇨🇿 Marie Bouzkova def. 🇳🇿 Lulu Sun – 6-4, 6-4
- 🇧🇪 Elise Mertens [24] def. 🇨🇿 Linda Fruhvirtova – 6-4, 6-2
- 🇺🇸 Alycia Parks and 🇺🇸 Ashlyn Krueger [31] also advanced
- 🇨🇿 Marketa Vondrousova [32] beat 🇺🇸 McCartney Kessler – 6-1, 7-6(3)
- 🇺🇦 Elina Svitolina [14] def. 🇭🇺 Anna Bondar – 6-3, 6-1
Canadians at Wimbledon – The Road Ahead
With Branstine’s early exit and Fernandez moving forward, the pressure now rests on Leylah Fernandez to lead Canada’s women’s contingent. Her next-round match will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
As Wimbledon 2025 rolls on, eyes remain fixed on big names and rising stars, but Day 1 made one thing clear: the competition is fierce, and every match counts.
Stay tuned for more updates from the grass courts of SW19!
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