Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alkaraz avoids scaring five-sets, Daniel Medvedev crashes; Aryana Sabalenka Cruz | Tennis news

Carlos Alakraj was forced into deep water on the day 1 of Wimbledon 2025, who was struggling with the previous experienced Fabio fogany in an epic five-seater to start protecting his title. The two-time defending champions looked far away from their fluent, but still won 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 after a speed of four and a half hours in the center court. The 22-year-old Spaniad, freshly fresh from his Rolland-Maros Triumph, completed 62 unexpected errors and faced 21 break points in a match that tested his endurance and attention. “Vamos!” Alkaraj roared after breaking Phogni in the final set quickly – a set in which he eventually gained control, sealed his 19th direct win in style. Meanwhile, Aryana Sabalenka started with a confidence in the women’s draw. The top seed separated the Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine from 6–1, 7–5. Sabalenka, who is seeking its first Wimbledon title after finishing the runner-up at both Australian and French opening this year, credited recent practice sessions with Novak Djokovic and Janeique Sinner to help “understanding and better adjust” for difficult shots on grass. Belarusi faces Lulu Sun or Mary Buzkova in the second round.
The biggest troubled, ninth seed Daniel Medvedev of the day was sent to Packing in four sets by Benjamin Bonzi of France. The 2023 semi-finalist and former US Open Champion is now out of the back-to-back slam after a similar initial exit in Rolland-Margos. Despite his struggles, Medvedev removed the concerns, saying that he is “not yet worried …”. In other places, Stephanos Tsitipus hurt a rear issue during his first round match against the French qualifier Valentin Rayer. The Greek star won only 43% of his first service and in the second set struggled with premature agitation at the beginning of time.