Aryna Sabalenka made a powerful return to Centre Court at Wimbledon 2025, defeating Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine in straight sets, 6-1, 7-5. After the match, the world number one addressed the crowd with a mix of gratitude, relief, and emotional honesty.
“I’m super happy to be back, to be healthy, to compete at this beautiful tournament,” Sabalenka said, her voice carrying both excitement and reflection. Having missed two of the last four editions of Wimbledon—once due to a tournament ban and once because of a shoulder injury—her return was more than just another match. It was a moment of reconnection with a stage she had longed for.
Sabalenka acknowledged the challenges she faced during her absence, admitting, “I was really depressed last year that I couldn’t feel this atmosphere.” Her words resonated with the crowd, who responded warmly to her openness and resilience.
The match itself was a showcase of Sabalenka’s trademark power and precision. She dominated the first set in just 26 minutes, firing seven aces and winning over 80% of her first-serve points. Branstine, however, pushed back in the second set, even holding a set point at 5-4. But Sabalenka’s composure and aggressive baseline play helped her close out the match.
She also praised her opponent’s performance, especially Branstine’s serving in the second set, calling it “crazy” and acknowledging how difficult it was to break her rhythm.
As she looked ahead to the next round, Sabalenka expressed her appreciation for the crowd’s energy. “Honestly, if someone would tell me that one day you’re gonna play the first match at Wimbledon with the full crowd in the stadium, I wouldn’t believe it,” she said. “Thank you so much for coming.”
With this win, Sabalenka continues her pursuit of a first Wimbledon title, carrying not just the weight of expectation, but the strength of someone who has fought hard to return to the place she loves most.
Sabalenka in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025
LWWWWLWWWW Now ranked no.1, Sabalenka achieved a composed 43-8 match record in 2025. The Belarussian is participating in Wimbledon where she toppled the world no.194 Carson Branstine 6-1 7-5.
The Belarussian has won 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. The Belarussian was the finalist at the Australian Open, in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open), in Stuttgart (Porsche Tennis Grand Prix) and at the French Open.
The Belarussian won 20 titles in her career: 15 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
