Wimbledon First Four Days: Sun, Stars & Showdowns

The sun is shining, the whites freshly pressed, and the open-top hats are in full swing – Wimbledon is back, and what a spectacle it’s been in the first four days. From centre-court drama to unexpected upsets, packed celebrity boxes and rising stars, this year’s tournament is serving up endless excitement. With reigning champions Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejčíková defending their crowns, fans have already witnessed high-energy clashes, strategic intrigues and a smattering of controversy.

In this comprehensive roundup, we’ll walk you through each day’s standout matches and moments: from Alcaraz’s confident opening win and Lulu Sun’s remarkable upset, to Krejčíková’s gritty encounter with Alexandra Eala and Emma Raducanu’s revival on grass. We’ll also examine on-court tactics—like Frances Tiafoe’s controversial toilet-break delay—injuries, retirements and the promising British talent bursting onto the scene. Expect player quotes, statistical insights, and a peek ahead to the next phase of the Championships. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or a casual spectator enjoying strawberries and cream, here’s your guide to the first four days of Wimbledon.

Setting the Scene – Days 1–4 Overview

Weather & Atmosphere

Wimbledon 2025 has been blessed with classic British sunshine. With temperatures hovering around the mid-20s Celsius and barely a cloud in sight, the All England Club looked postcard-perfect. The pristine grass, the clink of champagne glasses, and the unmistakable scent of suncream gave SW19 its signature summer buzz.

Celebrity Sightings & Centre Court Glamour

The stars came out in force. Sir David Beckham looked dapper as ever in the Royal Box. Rebel Wilson shared a laugh with Russell Crowe in the stands, while Dave Grohl made a surprise appearance—yes, in a suit. Add Jessica Alba, Sienna Miller and an unconfirmed sighting of Dua Lipa, and the celebrity quota was well and truly fulfilled.

Day 1 Highlights – Opening Volleys and Early Shocks

Alcaraz Opens Title Defence in Style

Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his Roland Garros win and a confident showing at Queen’s, made short work of Estonia’s Mark Lajal. The world No. 1 barely broke a sweat in his straight-sets victory (6–4, 7–5, 6–3), combining finesse with explosive forehands.

In his post-match presser, Alcaraz charmed the press once again: “This is a sport that I love to play, but the ball never goes straight!”—a nod to the unpredictable bounce of grass courts.

Lulu Sun Stuns Eighth Seed Qinwen Zheng

Perhaps the biggest shock of Day 1 came when Lulu Sun, ranked 123rd in the world, defeated No. 8 seed Qinwen Zheng in three gritty sets. The 23-year-old New Zealander delivered one of the best performances of her career, dictating rallies with her two-handed backhand and relentless energy.

Sun’s victory reminded everyone of grass court’s democratic nature—where rankings sometimes mean little.

Day 2 – Battle on the Broadcast Courts

Krejčíková Survives a Filipino Scare

Barbora Krejčíková, the reigning women’s champion, faced an unexpectedly stern test from Alexandra Eala, the first Filipino woman to play at Wimbledon since 1968. In what became a crowd-pleasing thriller, Krejčíková edged through in three tough sets.

The 19-year-old Eala, playing fearless tennis, pushed the Czech to her limits with her athleticism and gutsy shot-making. The match was physical, fast-paced, and saw Krejčíková really having to move, as she later admitted.

Dan Evans Shows Fire in All-British Clash

British No. 2 Dan Evans turned heads—not just with his powerful groundstrokes, but with his on-court theatrics—as he dispatched fellow Brit Jay Clarke in four animated sets.

Evans’s fire and grit drew mixed reactions from the crowd, but his tennis did the talking. With his mix of slice, speed and swagger, he showed why he remains one of Britain’s most compelling characters.

Emma Watson Exits Early

In a disappointing showing, Emma Watson bowed out on Day 2, unable to find rhythm against a determined opponent. With many hoping for a deep run, the loss raises questions about her fitness and form post-injury.

Jack Draper Advances After Baez Retires

Argentine Sebastian Baez was forced to retire in the third set against Jack Draper, after suffering a painful fall mid-rally. Draper, who was already gaining momentum, advances—but the mood was subdued after Baez’s emotional exit.

Day 3 – British Hopes & Centre-Court Drama

Oliver Tarvet’s Fairytale Ends at Alcaraz’s Hands

Making his Grand Slam debut, 19-year-old Oliver Tarvet of Great Britain earned a second-round spot and the chance to face Carlos Alcaraz. While the world No. 1 won convincingly in straight sets, Tarvet’s cool head and powerful serve earned him a standing ovation.

Alcaraz, gracious in victory, told the press: “I really appreciate the support here, especially when I’m playing a Brit. It’s special.”

Sonay Kartal Crushes into Round Three

British wildcard Sonay Kartal bulldozed past Viktoriya Tomova in straight sets. Her raw power and aggressive play left the Bulgarian with few answers. Kartal, now into the third round, is quickly emerging as Britain’s next big hope in women’s tennis.

Norrie Beats Tiafoe Amid Toilet-Break Controversy

On No. 1 Court, Cameron Norrie took on Frances Tiafoe in a blockbuster encounter. Norrie led after three tight sets when Tiafoe caused confusion by taking nearly four minutes to decide on a toilet break—then took the full allowed time to regroup.

BBC commentator John Lloyd criticised the move as unsportsmanlike: “If you have a bathroom break, you go immediately. Get off!”

The crowd seemed to agree. But any tactical advantage failed to materialise. Norrie remained composed and took the match in four.

Raducanu Rediscovers Her Magic

Emma Raducanu’s straight-sets victory over Markéta Vondroušová electrified Centre Court. Displaying her best tennis since winning the US Open, Raducanu returned with clinical precision and bold returns, outpacing the tattooed Czech with speed and poise.

It was a major moment—perhaps the return of Raducanu as a contender.

Day 4 – Giants Take Charge, New Stars Emerge

Djokovic Makes Statement Against Dan Evans

The day’s marquee match saw Novak Djokovic take on Dan Evans under the Centre Court roof. Four years ago, Evans beat Djokovic on clay in Monte Carlo—but this time, it was business as usual.

Djokovic triumphed in straight sets, dropping just six games. Afterward, he told fans: “I don’t pause to reflect. I don’t have time. When I retire, I’ll sit with a cocktail next to Nadal and reflect.”

The 25-time Grand Slam winner looked focused on title No. 26.

Mira Andreeva Cruises

Teenage sensation Mira Andreeva swept aside Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in a dominant showing. Calm under pressure, the 17-year-old barely blinked en route to a 6–2, 6–1 victory.

Her clean baseline play and quiet confidence were a joy to watch.

Draper Falls to Cilic After Titanic Battle

Jack Draper returned to action, this time facing veteran Marin Čilić. The Croat controlled early play with thumping serves, but Draper grew into the match, snatching the third set and forcing a nail-biting fourth.

Although Čilić edged it 7–5 in the fourth, Draper showed stamina, creativity and maturity beyond his years. British fans should be excited—he’s one to watch.

McNally’s Tricks No Match for Świątek

Despite Katie McNally pulling off crowd-pleasing jumping trick shots, she couldn’t contain Iga Świątek. The Polish world No. 1 had McNally running corner to corner, winning in dominant fashion.

Świątek looks sharp, focused and very dangerous heading into week two.

Player Quotes & Press Insights

• Alcaraz: “The crowd here is always fair. Even when I play a Brit, they make it special.”
• Djokovic: “When I’m done, I’ll sit with Rafa on a beach and think about it all.”
• Raducanu: “It felt incredible to hear the Centre Court roar again.”
• Kartal: “I just hit through it. No fear—only excitement.”

Statistical Snapshot & Records

• Top 10 seeds out: Zheng (8), Watson (15)
• Youngest winner so far: Mira Andreeva (17)
• Oldest match-winner: Novak Djokovic (38)
• British players in Round 3: Norrie, Raducanu, Kartal

Emerging Storylines

Britain’s Next Gen Steps Up

With Draper, Kartal and Tarvet all delivering brave performances, a new era of British tennis is emerging—and perhaps even thriving beyond Andy Murray’s legacy.

Injuries & Retirements

Baez’s mid-match fall and McNally’s fatigue-driven defeat show that the grass season is unforgiving, especially for younger bodies still adjusting to its demands.

Tactical Gamesmanship

Tiafoe’s toilet-break antics reignited debate around momentum-stopping strategies. While legal, the ethics of such moves continue to divide fans and pundits alike.

What’s Next – Days 5–7 Preview

• Can Raducanu continue her run and challenge Swiatek?
• Will Djokovic meet Alcaraz in another historic final?
• Can Norrie make it to the quarters?
• And who will be the surprise story of week two?

Quick Takeaways

• Alcaraz and Djokovic look unshakable so far.
• Emma Raducanu may finally be back to her best.
• Lulu Sun’s win was the upset of the week.
• Britain’s new generation is making headlines.
• Player tactics (like Tiafoe’s delay) are sparking debate.
• Injuries remind us of the physical toll of Wimbledon’s short season.

Conclusion

The first four days of Wimbledon 2025 have delivered everything fans hoped for—elite tennis, big upsets, rising stars, and no shortage of drama. While the big names like Djokovic, Alcaraz and Świątek sail through, it’s the surprise packages—like Lulu Sun, Sonay Kartal and Jack Draper—who have injected fresh energy into this year’s draw.

With the weather on side and the Centre Court crowds in fine voice, Wimbledon feels more alive than ever. As we move into the middle weekend, storylines will deepen, dreams will end, and perhaps a new champion will emerge. One thing’s for certain: this is going to be a tournament to remember.

So keep your eyes on the ball—and the strawberries close to hand.

FAQs

Q: Who’s the reigning champion at Wimbledon 2025?

A: Carlos Alcaraz (men’s) and Barbora Krejčíková (women’s).

Q: Who caused the biggest upset so far?

A: Lulu Sun beating 8th seed Qinwen Zheng on Day 1.

Q: Why was Frances Tiafoe criticised?

A: For taking an unusually long toilet break during a tight match with Cameron Norrie.

Q: Who’s the youngest player making waves?

A: 17-year-old Mira Andreeva, who’s won her first two matches in dominant style.

Q: Is Raducanu back to top form?

A: Her win over Vondroušová was her best in years—she looks sharp and confident.

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