Alcaraz Draws Fognini as Wimbledon Kicks Off with High-Stakes First-Round Encounters

Posted : 27 June 2025

The stage is set for a thrilling start to Wimbledon 2025 as defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz opens his campaign against experienced Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka takes on Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine. Friday’s draw at the All England Club revealed a mix of compelling matchups and potential upsets that could shape the early rounds of the prestigious tournament.

Alcaraz, who recently claimed the Queen’s Club title and is seeking a third consecutive Wimbledon crown, must remain cautious against the unpredictable Fognini, a former world No. 9. Should he progress, the Spaniard could meet British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the second round and face a possible semifinal clash against third seed Alexander Zverev. Zverev will begin his tournament against France’s Arthur Rinderknech.

Top-seeded Jannik Sinner, fresh from his runner-up finish at the French Open, faces fellow Italian Luca Nardi, while sixth seed Novak Djokovic—chasing a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title—starts against France’s Alexandre Muller. Britain’s Jack Draper, the fourth seed and local favorite, enters the draw under immense expectations and faces a tough path, potentially meeting Marin Cilic in the second round and Djokovic in the quarterfinals.

In the women’s draw, Sabalenka could cross paths with former US Open champion Emma Raducanu or 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova in the third round. Coco Gauff, the second seed, opens against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, with a potential semifinal meeting against third seed Jessica Pegula, who begins against Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto. Reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova faces Alexandra Eala of the Philippines but enters with fitness concerns after withdrawing from Eastbourne due to injury.

British interest is especially high this year, with 23 homegrown players competing in the singles draws—the most since 1984. Raducanu headlines the women’s entries and has drawn fellow Briton and teenage wildcard Mingge Xu in what could be a tricky opener.

The tournament also teases a potential second-round blockbuster between Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. As tradition dictates, Alcaraz will open Centre Court play on Monday, while Krejcikova begins her title defense on Tuesday. With the draw now set, the countdown begins for two weeks of intense grasscourt battles at SW19.

Alcaraz Draws Fognini as Wimbledon Kicks Off with High-Stakes First-Round Encounters

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