Alcaraz and Sabalenka Restore Order at Wimbledon After Early Shocks
London, July 2, 2025 — After two days of blistering heat and stunning upsets, Wimbledon 2025 finally found its rhythm on Day 3 as top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka powered through their second-round matches, restoring a sense of normalcy to the tournament. Their victories came as a welcome relief to fans and organizers alike, following a string of first-round exits that rattled both the men’s and women’s draws.
The return to cooler temperatures helped stabilize play, but the drama was far from over. While Alcaraz and Sabalenka advanced with authority, other seeded players continued to fall, making this year’s Wimbledon one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.
Alcaraz Survives Tarvet’s Challenge
Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation and second seed, faced British qualifier Oliver Tarvet on Centre Court in what many feared could be another upset. Tarvet, ranked 733rd in the world and playing only his second tour-level match, had stunned fans with his confident debut earlier in the week.
Alcaraz, fresh off a grueling five-set battle against Fabio Fognini in the first round, looked shaky at first. He saved three break points in a tense opening game, but quickly found his rhythm to dispatch Tarvet 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Despite the scoreline, the match was far from routine. Tarvet earned eight break points in the first set alone and showed flashes of brilliance that earned him a standing ovation.
“I have to give a big congratulations to Oliver,” Alcaraz said. “It’s his second match on the tour. I just loved his game, to be honest—the level he played was amazing.”
Alcaraz’s win marked his 16th consecutive victory at Wimbledon and his 20th straight match win overall, the longest streak of his career. He now prepares to face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Jan-Lennard Struff in the third round.
Sabalenka Steadies the Women’s Draw
Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed in the women’s draw, faced Czech player Marie Bouzkova in a match that tested her composure and power. Sabalenka, who is chasing her first Wimbledon title, overcame a spirited challenge to win 7-6 (4), 6-4 in 95 minutes.
The Belarusian fired 41 winners and five aces, using her aggressive baseline play to keep Bouzkova on the defensive. Sabalenka acknowledged the chaos of the opening rounds, which saw top contenders like Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Zheng Qinwen eliminated.
“Honestly, it is sad to see so many upsets in the tournament in both draws,” Sabalenka said. “I’m just trying to focus on myself.”
Her next opponent will be British star Emma Raducanu, who stunned 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova with a 6-3, 6-3 win. The third-round clash between Sabalenka and Raducanu promises to be one of the tournament’s marquee matchups.
Raducanu’s Redemption
Emma Raducanu, once hailed as Britain’s next tennis icon after her 2021 US Open triumph, has struggled with injuries and form in recent years. But on Wednesday, she delivered a vintage performance against Vondrousova, showcasing the fearless shot-making that made her a household name.
“I played really, really well,” Raducanu told the crowd. “There were some points that I have no idea how I turned around.”
Her victory was marked by a dazzling backhand passing shot and a composed service game that kept Vondrousova off balance. Raducanu’s resurgence has reignited hopes among British fans, who are eager to see her make a deep run.
British Players Make Waves
Beyond Raducanu, several British players made headlines on Day 3. Cameron Norrie, the British No. 3, upset American 12th seed Frances Tiafoe in four sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Norrie credited the Court One crowd for energizing his comeback.
“You just feel goosebumps,” Norrie said. “It’s such a special court and such a special tournament.”
Sonay Kartal also advanced, defeating Viktoriya Tomova 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Katie Boulter suffered a disappointing loss to Argentina’s Solana Sierra, serving 14 double faults in a 6-7 (9), 6-2, 6-1 defeat.
Rising Stars and Rain Delays
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca continued his breakout campaign with a four-set win over Jenson Brooksby, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4. The 18-year-old is widely seen as a future rival to Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and his performance drew loud cheers from a contingent of Brazilian fans.
Play on outer courts was delayed for two hours due to morning rain, but once the skies cleared, the action resumed with intensity. The unpredictable weather added another layer of complexity to an already volatile tournament.
Tournament Outlook
With 14 of the 32 men’s seeds already eliminated and several top women’s seeds out of contention, Wimbledon 2025 is shaping up to be a tournament of surprises. Yet the steady performances of Alcaraz and Sabalenka have provided a much-needed anchor.
Alcaraz is aiming to complete the French Open-Wimbledon double for the second year in a row, while Sabalenka hopes to claim her first title at the All England Club. Both players have shown resilience and adaptability, qualities that will be crucial as the tournament progresses.
Final Thoughts
Wimbledon 2025 has already delivered its share of drama, but Day 3 offered a glimpse of order amid the chaos. With top seeds advancing, rising stars emerging, and homegrown talent thriving, the tournament is poised for an exciting second week.
As Alcaraz and Sabalenka continue their campaigns, fans can expect more thrilling matches, emotional moments, and perhaps a few more surprises. For now, the lawns of Wimbledon are calm—but the storm of competition is far from over.
