Wimbledon 2025: Top five first-round matches to watch out for at SW19

From Bublik’s unpredictability to Kvitova’s emotional return, Wimbledon 2025 kicks off with thrilling first-round matchups.

Wimbledon has a history of producing top-tier battles, from the very beginning of the marquee tennis tournament. The tournament has witnessed nine unique winners in the women’s singles event, a testimony to the unpredictable nature of the competition.

This makes its opening rounds even more special, and the 2025 edition will feature some stunning clashes between several top-ranked players as well as emerging talents or legends of the game who have now fallen in the rankings.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five best first-round matches to watch out for at Wimbledon 2025, on June 30 and July 1.

5. Emma Navarro vs Petra Kvitova

Tenth seed Emma Navarro has been handed a tough draw, starting against two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. For the Czech, this could be her final appearance at SW19, adding emotional weight and fanfare to the occasion.

The American enters the Championship on the back of a mixed bag start to the grass season, with a quarter-final defeat in Homburg and a second-round exit to Badosa in Berlin. Interestingly, these two have never played each other, further adding to the intrigue.

4. Gael Monfils vs Ugo Humbert

An all-French showdown, this match features the charismatic veteran Gael Monfils against the 18th seed Ugo Humbert. Monfils suffered consecutive opening-round defeats in both his grass events this season, but he is someone known to produce his best tennis at the biggest stage.

Humbert reached the semi-finals of Libema, beating Borges, but was stunned in his recent outing at Eastbourne. This clash will certainly fill up the crowd, which is always the case when Monfils plays, thereby guaranteeing drama and entertainment.

3. Taylor Fritz vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard

American No. 1 Taylor Fritz faces a tricky opening test against big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Fritz, seeded fifth and considered a dark horse for the title, will need to be sharp from the outset against one of the ATP’s most dangerous servers.

Mpetshi Perricard made headlines at Wimbledon 2024 by troubling several top players with his booming delivery, but has struggled to maintain that form since. Expect Fritz to use his experience and composure to navigate this challenge and advance to the next round.

2. Paula Badosa vs Katie Boulter

British No. 2 Katie Boulter faces World No. 9 Paula Badosa in a blockbuster first-round clash. The Spaniard started her grass season strongly, defeating Navarro in Berlin, and leads their head-to-head, having edged Boulter in a tight three-setter at Roland Garros last year.

The Brit will count on strong home support to reverse that result at Wimbledon. Though Badosa arrives with some injury concerns, she remains the favorite, given her current consistency and status as one of the WTA tour’s most reliable performers.

1. Alexander Bublik vs Jaume Munar

This match pits the unpredictable Alexander Bublik against the gritty Spaniard Jaume Munar. Bublik, known for his flamboyant shot-making and trademark underarm serves, is always a crowd favorite at Wimbledon and enters as an underdog. Boosting his confidence is his recent triumph in Halle, where he stunned World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and defeated Medvedev in the final.

Munar, meanwhile, nearly shocked Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s, showcasing an impressive all-court game. This clash promises twists and turns and could easily go the distance. Ultimately, the player who maintains composure and limits unforced errors will likely prevail.

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