Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz chases another crown, Raducanu returns as British No. 1
The prestigious grass courts of the All England Club welcome back the world’s best as Wimbledon 2025 kicks off on Monday, with reigning men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz eyeing a third straight title, while Emma Raducanu returns to action as Britain’s top-ranked woman in a new chapter of her still-evolving career.
Alcaraz begins title defense on Centre Court
Spanish sensation and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz starts his campaign on Centre Court against Italy’s Fabio Fognini. The 21-year-old champion is aiming to cement his legacy with a third consecutive Wimbledon trophy, solidifying his dominance on grass after back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024.
Related News: Carlos Alcaraz wins French Open in epic five-set comeback over Sinner
Alcaraz’s anticipated return is one of the day’s highlights, with fans eager to see if he can match the consistency of past legends on SW19’s famous lawns.
Raducanu returns as Britain’s leading hope
Four years after bursting onto the scene with a fairy-tale run to the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2021, Emma Raducanu returns to the tournament as British No. 1. Still only 22, the 2021 US Open champion has endured a turbulent journey filled with injuries, coaching changes, and sky-high expectations.
Related News: Emma Raducanu says she's regained her 'hunger' for tennis at the Miami Open
Now healthy enough to compete — but still managing a lingering back issue — Raducanu opens her campaign on Court One against fellow Brit Mingge Xu, a 17-year-old wildcard making her Grand Slam debut.
“I just want to go out there and embrace the moment,” Raducanu told reporters. “I know I’ve been dealing with some things. Truthfully, I don’t expect much from myself this year.”
Despite the uncertainty, Raducanu’s presence remains a major draw, and her maturity and candor have won over fans all over again.
Fritz rides momentum into SW19
American Taylor Fritz, seeded No. 5, enters Wimbledon as the most successful player on grass this season, having lifted titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne. His recent Eastbourne triumph, including a win over Alexander Zverev in Stuttgart, has fueled confidence ahead of Monday’s opener against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Court Two.
“I’d rather go into a tournament with confidence than just be practising all week,” said Fritz. “One more title and I might have to buy a house here!”
While Fritz has failed to progress past the early rounds at recent Grand Slams, his decision to keep playing competitive matches instead of resting could prove a masterstroke.
Sabalenka, Zverev, and Medvedev also in action
- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka kicks off her women’s singles campaign against Canadian Carson Branstine on Court One. After two runner-up finishes this year, she’ll look to finally clinch her maiden major of 2025.
- Alexander Zverev, the No. 3 seed, takes on France’s Arthur Rinderknech in the final match of Centre Court’s opening day.
- Daniil Medvedev, seeded 9th, faces Benjamin Bonzi in an early test on Court Two.
Monday’s Wimbledon 2025 Schedule Highlights (Local Time CET)
Centre Court – from 14:30 CET
- Fabio Fognini vs 2-Carlos Alcaraz
- 9-Paula Badosa vs Katie Boulter
- Arthur Rinderknech vs 3-Alexander Zverev
Court One – from 14:00 CET
- 1-Aryna Sabalenka vs Carson Branstine
- Jacob Fearnley vs Joao Fonseca
- Emma Raducanu vs Mingge Xu
Court Two – from 14:00 CET
- Benjamin Bonzi vs 9-Daniil Medvedev
- Elena-Gabriela Ruse vs 6-Madison Keys
- 4-Jasmine Paolini vs Anastasija Sevastova
- 5-Taylor Fritz vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
SportsLigue