By Ben Phillips
Day 2 of the main draw at Wimbledon 2025 delivered more surprises than anyone could have predicted. In a tournament already reeling from high-profile exits on the opening day, Tuesday saw the unravelling of several top contenders, none more dramatic than the fall of men’s third seed Alexander Zverev and second seed Coco Gauff on the women’s side. With favourites crashing out and lesser-known names rising to the occasion, the grass courts of SW19 are proving once again to be fertile ground for chaos.
Rinderknech Rocks Zverev in Five-Set Classic
In one of the matches of the tournament so far, France’s Arthur Rinderknech stunned Alexander Zverev in an enthralling five-set battle: 7-6(4), 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4. The German, who is not having the greatest year, was undone by a combination of poor execution at key moments and a fearless opponent across the net.
Rinderknech served brilliantly throughout, winning 78% of his first serve points and saving nine of nine break points. Zverev, though striking the ball well at times, struggled to assert himself in the longer rallies and allowed his level to dip just enough for the Frenchman to capitalise.
For Zverev, who has made strides in adding grass-court success to his resume, the loss will sting. He was widely tipped to make the quarterfinals at the very least, especially after the exits of Medvedev and Rune on Day 1. Instead, it’s Rinderknech who moves on, armed with momentum and confidence that will make him a dangerous proposition in the second round.
Bublik Falters in the Fifth: “Totally My Fault”
Another major casualty came in the form of Alexander Bublik, who was defeated in a wild five-set rollercoaster by Spain’s Jaume Munar: 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(4), 2-6. Bublik had the match on his racket after taking the third set and leading in the fourth, but allowed Munar, a player more known for his clay-court success, to hang around just long enough to pull off the upset.
Speaking to QualityShot Tennis after the match, a frustrated Bublik admitted:
“I feel like I was in control the entire match. It was my fault that I let it slip.”
It was classic Bublik: plenty of flair, moments of genius, but also inconsistency and missed opportunities. For Munar, it’s a huge win and another reminder that no surface is truly off-limits when belief is high and the margins are thin.
Gauff Sent Crashing by Inspired Yastremska
If Zverev’s exit was dramatic, then Coco Gauff’s was seismic. The second seed and reigning French Open champion was beaten in straight sets by Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, 7-6(4), 6-1, in a result that stunned Centre Court and reshaped the women’s draw in a matter of minutes.
The first set was tight, with both players trading blows and holding serve, but it was Yastremska who took the initiative in the tiebreak, stepping inside the baseline and dictating play. Once ahead, the Ukrainian never looked back. Her powerful groundstrokes and bold returning pinned Gauff behind the baseline, and the American never found a foothold in the second set.
Gauff, who came into the tournament with eyes on completing a historic Roland Garros-Wimbledon double, now exits far earlier than expected, and the tournament loses one of its marquee names.
Pegula Praises Cocciaretto After One-Sided Defeat
In another shock, third seed Jessica Pegula was dismissed by Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. It was a composed and aggressive performance from the Italian, who mixed clever net play with measured aggression from the baseline.
Pegula, one of the most consistent performers in Grand Slams over the last two years, looked off rhythm and flat-footed against an opponent who gave her no time to settle. After the match, she spoke to QualityShot Tennis, offering praise for her conqueror:
“She played incredible tennis. Do I think I played the best match ever? No, but I don’t think I was playing bad.”
It’s a fair assessment. Cocciaretto simply didn’t allow Pegula into the match and becomes a real name to watch as the second-round looms.
Zheng Sinks Again on Grass
Qinwen Zheng, the fifth seed and one of the top-ranked players on the rise, was also shown the exit, falling to Katerina Siniakova for the third straight time on grass, this time 7-5, 4-6, 6-1. Despite showing flashes of her powerful ground game, Zheng once again struggled with the surface and the guile of Siniakova.
After the loss, she was candid in her assessment, telling QualityShot Tennis:
“I should do better. I don’t consider it a challenge playing on grass.”
That confidence might not yet be matching the results, but for Zheng, it may be more about learning to translate her aggressive game to a surface that rewards variety and sharp decision-making.
Sinner, Djokovic, Swiatek And More Deliver Assured Wins Amid Chaos
Amidst the headline-making upsets on Day 2, several of the tournament’s top names delivered composed, clinical performances to avoid joining the growing list of high-profile casualties. With the spotlight firmly on them, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Jack Draper, and Mirra Andreeva all took care of business to move safely into the second round.
Sinner in Cruise Control Against Nardi
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner opened his Wimbledon campaign with the kind of dominant display that reinforces why he’s many people’s title favourite. The Italian breezed past compatriot Luca Nardi 6-4, 6-3, 6-0, showing off his improved movement on grass and signature flat hitting from the baseline.
After a measured start, Sinner gradually cranked up the intensity, breaking Nardi’s resistance with relentless depth and accuracy. The third set in particular was a statement, as the 22-year-old sent out a message to the rest of the draw: he is ready, rested, and playing with purpose.
Draper Into Second Round After Baez Retirement
Jack Draper, the newly crowned British No. 1 and now ranked No. 4 in the world, made a sharp start to his home Slam, dispatching Sebastian Baez with ease before the Argentine retired early in the third set. The final scoreline read 6-2, 6-2, 2-1 ret., with Draper looking sharp, composed, and brimming with confidence throughout.
The 22-year-old used his powerful lefty serve to dictate play and found great rhythm from the back of the court. Baez, a talented clay-courter, struggled to adjust to Draper’s weight of shot and the low bounce. Although the retirement shortened the match, Draper’s performance in the opening sets was enough to leave the Centre Court crowd hopeful of a long run ahead.
Djokovic Rebounds After Blip to See Off Muller
Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic came through a slight hiccup in the second set to dispatch Alexandre Muller 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-2 in typically composed fashion. The No. 6 seed looked focused and fired up, especially after dropping the second set in a tight tiebreak.
From that point on, Djokovic was in full control, using the angles and taking time away from Muller with laser-like returning and precise ball placement. Despite still not being quite at his top gear, his performance suggests he remains a major threat for an eighth Wimbledon title.
The crowd responded enthusiastically to his vintage celebrations after closing it out, fist pumps, roars, and the familiar Djokovic glare into his box. Wimbledon may not have seen his best yet, but the Serbian is firmly up and running.
Swiatek Settles In After Tight Opening Set
Over on Court 1, Iga Swiatek, the No. 8 seed, began her campaign with a tricky but ultimately straightforward 7-5, 6-1win over Polina Kudermetova. The four-time Grand Slam champion took her time to find her rhythm on the surface, but once she did, the gap in class showed.
Swiatek’s court coverage and ability to redirect pace gave her the edge, especially in longer exchanges. The first set was a nervy affair with breaks traded, but the Pole tightened her game to take control and dropped just one game in the second. Still seeking her first major deep run at SW19, Swiatek will be pleased with how efficiently she adapted to the grass today.
Andreeva Impresses and Finds Confidence at the Net
One of the most exciting young stars in the women’s draw, 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva, seeded No. 7, posted a confident 6-3, 6-3 win over Egypt’s Mayar Sherif. The Russian’s ability to play with margin and disguise continues to impress, and she showcased great variety in this contest, particularly at the net.
After the match, she spoke exclusively to QualityShot Tennis, highlighting a new dimension to her game:
“I was a little surprised with my level and with my volleys. I felt like every time I would go to the net, I was sure I’d hit a great volley.”
Andreeva’s rise over the past 12 months has been rapid, and her grass-court development seems to be accelerating too. With her tennis IQ and growing confidence, she’s one to watch in this draw, especially if she continues blending defence with surprise aggression.
What’s On Day Three
Some Of The Best Day 3 Matches to Watch:
- Emma Raducanu vs Markéta Vondroušová – A huge test for the Brit against the 2023 champion.
- Carlos Alcaraz vs Oliver Tarvet – British qualifier Tarvet faces the defending champ.
- Aryna Sabalenka vs Marie Bouzková – A dangerous opener for the world number one.
Stay tuned with QualityShot Tennis for daily coverage, reactions and exclusive quotes from the players as the story of Wimbledon 2025 continues to unfold.
