On June 30, 2025, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her Wimbledon campaign with a hard-fought victory against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine in the first round, securing a 6-1, 7-5 win on Court 1. The match, which lasted just over an hour, showcased Sabalenka’s relentless power and resilience against a spirited debutant, marking her 43rd win of the season and setting the tone for her pursuit of a maiden Wimbledon title.
Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, entered the match as the overwhelming favorite after missing the 2024 Championships due to a shoulder injury. Her 2025 season has been stellar, with titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, though she fell short in the Australian Open and French Open finals. Against Branstine, ranked No. 197, Sabalenka unleashed her signature aggressive baseline game, dominating the first set in just 24 minutes. Her powerful serve, often exceeding 120 mph, and crushing forehands overwhelmed Branstine, who struggled to counter the Belarusian’s intensity. Sabalenka broke serve twice in the opening set, capitalizing on Branstine’s errors to close it out 6-1.
The second set, however, revealed Branstine’s tenacity. The 24-year-old, making her Grand Slam main draw debut, had already turned heads by defeating former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu and French Open semifinalist Lois Boisson in qualifying. Known for her modeling career and a potent serve honed at Texas A&M, Branstine found her rhythm, holding serve confidently and pushing Sabalenka to a 5-4 lead. The Court 1 crowd roared as Branstine’s backhand down the line forced an error from Sabalenka, hinting at a potential upset. Commentators noted the Canadian’s fearless energy, with Branstine herself stating pre-match, “It’s not like I’m a beginner. This is my job, too.” Her recent upset over top seed Liudmila Samsonova in the Netherlands bolstered her confidence, but Sabalenka’s experience proved decisive.
At a critical juncture, Sabalenka elevated her game. Facing two break points at 15-30, she unleashed a blistering forehand winner to shift momentum. She broke Branstine’s serve in the 10th game, converting her second break point with a cross-court forehand that Branstine couldn’t handle. Serving for the match, Sabalenka held firm, sealing the 7-5 set with an ace. The 49-minute second set was nearly double the length of the first, highlighting Branstine’s competitiveness despite the straight-sets defeat.
Sabalenka’s victory sets up a second-round clash against either Lulu Sun or Marie Bouzkova, both former Wimbledon quarterfinalists. With a tough draw ahead, including potential matchups against Elina Svitolina and Madison Keys, this early test against Branstine could prove valuable. Sabalenka’s focus and power on grass signal her intent to claim the Venus Rosewater Dish, while Branstine’s performance underscores her potential as a rising star.
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