Argentine tennis player Solana Sierra delivered one of the most unexpected runs at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, becoming the first lucky loser in the Open Era to reach the women’s singles fourth round at the All England Club.
In a Tennis Channel interview, Sierra revealed that she barely had time to process the news before she was out on court.
Sierra Turns Wimbledon Opportunity Into Breakthrough
The 21-year-old from Mar del Plata has been steadily building momentum on the WTA tour. Sierra, seeded 10th in qualifiers, initially failed to qualify for the main draw after losing in the final round of qualifying to Australia’s Talia Gibson, the No. 24 seed in the qualifying draw. However, when Belgium’s Greet Minnen pulled out of the tournament at the last minute due to a back injury, Sierra was promoted into the main draw as a lucky loser.
Sierra didn’t waste the opportunity. She won her opening match against Olivia Gadecki in straight sets, then followed it up with victories over local favorite Katie Boulter and Spain’s Cristina Bucșa to secure her spot in the fourth round. Along the way, she made history as only the seventh lucky loser to reach the second week of a Grand Slam in the Open Era.
The path to this breakthrough wasn’t easy. Sierra had to overcome the disappointment of losing in qualifying just days before, then quickly shift her mindset when the unexpected call came. Most players would struggle with such short notice, but Sierra turned the chaos into an advantage.
From lucky loser to the fourth round!
Argentina’s Solana Sierra defeats Cristina Bucsa 7-5, 1-6, 6-1 to book her spot in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/4jlXNDaetN
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2025
Speaking to Tennis Channel, Sierra recounted the chaos of her debut match: “It was 15 minutes before, I was sitting. I didn’t really expect it because it was already Monday. It was really crazy,” she said. “I didn’t have too much time. I just got changed and just entered the court. But I think it really helps because I didn’t get too nervous and I played really well.”
Cinderella story of the tournament? 🥹
Solana Sierra only had 15 minutes notice before her first round match and now she’s the first lucky loser to reach the Ladies’ fourth round in the Open Era.
On Sunday she will be vying for a spot in the quarterfinals 🤯#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/PWI9drm0rK
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) July 4, 2025
Her success at Wimbledon follows a career-best year. Sierra claimed her maiden WTA title in April at the 125-level tournament in Antalya, Turkey. She also made appearances in the main draws of the 2025 French Open and 2024 US Open, though she exited in the first round at both events. Those early exits now look like valuable learning experiences that prepared her for this moment.
With her remarkable Wimbledon showing, she’s projected to break into the top 75 of the WTA rankings for the first time, a significant leap from her previous best of No. 100, achieved on June 16, 2025. The Argentine currently holds the top spot in her country’s singles rankings. The ranking jump will also guarantee her direct entry into future WTA events, eliminating the need to rely on qualifying draws.
Who’s up Next for Sierra at Wimbledon?
Sierra will face World No. 22 Laura Siegemund in the fourth round. This will be their first meeting on the WTA Tour. Siegemund brings experience and a crafty game style that could test Sierra’s momentum, but the Argentine has already proven she can handle pressure situations.
The winner of this match will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face either top seed Aryna Sabalenka or 24th seed Elise Mertens. For Sierra, reaching the quarterfinals would put her just two wins away from a Grand Slam final, something that seemed impossible when she was packing her bags after losing in qualifying.
Read More: Aryna Sabalenka vs Elise Mertens Wimbledon 2025 Preview: Head-to-Head and Prediction