Esther Adeshina Calls Wimbledon Qualifying “a Dream” After Career-Defining Victory

Posted : 23 June 2026

Esther Adeshina described her experience in Wimbledon qualifying as a “dream” after securing the biggest win of her career to move within two victories of reaching the main draw. The 24-year-old produced a composed and determined performance to defeat former world top-50 player Moyuka Uchijima of Japan in a hard-fought three-set encounter.

Adeshina, ranked world number 514, battled through nearly two hours of intense conditions in Roehampton, eventually winning 6-1 3-6 7-5. Her victory keeps her hopes alive of reaching the Wimbledon main draw for the first time in her career.

Next, she will face France’s Harmony Tan, who famously defeated Serena Williams during a memorable run to the Wimbledon fourth round in 2022. Despite the tough draw ahead, Adeshina expressed pride and excitement at continuing her journey in the qualifying rounds.

Reflecting on her win, she said the moment felt surreal and emphasized her focus on staying calm and taking each point as it came. She added that representing Britain at Wimbledon made the achievement even more special, having grown up watching the tournament since childhood.

Elsewhere in qualifying, 15-year-old British wildcard Daniella Britton saw her run come to an end after a close three-set defeat to Argentina’s Julia Riera. Britton, who earned her place after winning national junior titles, showed promise before narrowly missing out on victory.

In Eastbourne, British qualifier Giles Hussey delivered one of the shocks of the day by defeating French Open semi-finalist Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets. Ranked 293rd in the world, Hussey produced a commanding performance to win 6-4 6-2 and continue his impressive run through qualifying.

Arnaldi, who was returning to competition after illness forced him out of Roland Garros, was unable to find his rhythm against the in-form Briton. Hussey now moves on to face France’s Quentin Halys after building momentum with recent Challenger success.

In other results, top seed Jasmine Paolini was eliminated in the women’s draw, while the experienced doubles pairing of Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram progressed comfortably in their opening match, continuing their successful partnership on the grass courts.

Esther Adeshina Calls Wimbledon Qualifying “a Dream” After Career-Defining Victory

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