Aryna Sabalenka made an emotional return to Wimbledon on Jun. 30, 2025, defeating Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-1, 7-5 in her first match at the All England Club since 2023. The Belarusian star’s heartfelt post-match speech showed just how much the tournament means to her as she missed two editions in the last four years.
The 26-year-old spoke candidly about her feelings during her absence from the prestigious grass-court tournament. “I’m super happy to be back, to be healthy, to compete at this beautiful tournament. I was really depressed last year that I couldn’t feel this atmosphere and I’m super happy with the performance of course,” Sabalenka told the crowd on Court 1.
Aryna Sabalenka Missed Two Wimbledon Tournaments
Sabalenka missed two editions of Wimbledon in the last four years for different reasons. In 2022, she was among the Russian and Belarusian players banned from competing following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ban affected several top players, with both the ATP and WTA stripping Wimbledon of its ranking points in response to the decision.
Last year, Sabalenka was forced to withdraw just hours before her scheduled first-round match against American Emina Bektas due to a shoulder injury. The two-time Australian Open champion described herself as “heartbroken” to miss the tournament, promising to return “stronger than ever.”
Sabalenka Showed Gratefulness for the Atmosphere
The current World No.1 showed genuine appreciation for the crowd’s support during her opening match victory. “Happy to get through and thank you guys for bringing such a great atmosphere. 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 so thank you so much for coming, thank you,” she said.
World No.1 back in Wimby ❤️@SabalenkaA | #Wimbledon
— wta (@WTA) June 30, 2025
Sabalenka’s dominant performance against Branstine proved why she remains the top-ranked player in women’s tennis. She fired seven aces and won over 80% of her first-serve points in a commanding opening set, lasting just 26 minutes.
Despite Branstine pushing back in the second set and even holding set point at 5-4, Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game bested the Canadian qualifier.
The victory marks Sabalenka’s 43rd win of the season as she continues her quest for a first Wimbledon title. Being the semifinalist in both 2021 and 2023, the Belarusian enters this year’s tournament as one of the clear favorites.
She will face Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round as she looks to lift the title at the All England Club.
