Sabalenka Secures Opening Win as Jabeur Retires in Wimbledon Heat

Sabalenka Advances in Style While Jabeur Retires in Wimbledon Heat

World number one Aryna Sabalenka marked her return to Wimbledon with a straight-sets win, while two-time finalist Ons Jabeur was forced to retire due to illness as players faced brutal heat on the hottest opening day in the tournament’s history.

Sabalenka, competing at Wimbledon for the first time since 2022 due to injury, dispatched Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5 on Court One. The match began smoothly for the Belarusian, who dominated the opening set, but Branstine’s powerful serve and spirited second-set resistance extended the contest in sweltering conditions.

With temperatures exceeding 30°C, Sabalenka secured a crucial break at 6-5 before serving out the match to avoid a third set in the heat.

“I’m super happy to be back, to be healthy and to compete at this beautiful tournament,” said Sabalenka, chasing her first Wimbledon title.

“I was really depressed last year that I couldn’t feel this atmosphere.”

Jabeur’s Heartbreak: Tunisian Retires Mid-Match

In one of the day’s most emotional moments, Ons Jabeur, runner-up in 2022 and 2023, retired during her opening-round match against Viktoriya Tomova.

The Tunisian, ranked world No. 59, took a 14-minute medical timeout during the first set, showing signs of distress and requiring a blood pressure check. Despite briefly returning to court, she ultimately withdrew while trailing 7-6 (7-5), 2-0.

“I wasn’t expecting not to feel good,” Jabeur said.

“I’m pretty sad. It doesn’t really help with my confidence.”

The 29-year-old said she will now rest and spend time with family, after a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistent results.

Mixed Fortunes Across the Women’s Draw

Elsewhere in the women’s field:

• Jasmine Paolini, last year’s runner-up, overcame an early scare to beat Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

• Madison Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, also fought back from a set down to edge past Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-7 (4-7), 7-5, 7-5.

• Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 champion, made a comfortable start by defeating McCartney Kessler 6-1, 7-6 (7-3). She now sets up a highly-anticipated second-round clash with British star Emma Raducanu.