
Wimbledon 2025: Sabalenka powers past Branstine in their opening match
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka overcame Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine on a sweltering Court One to get her quest for a first Wimbledon title up and running with a 6-1, 7-5 win on Monday.
With the thermometer soaring above 30 degrees Celsius, the Belarusian turned up the heat early to win the opening five games and looked primed for a quick finish.
But Branstine, who juggles her time between the tennis courts and working as a model, earned loud applause when she got on the scoreboard and although Sabalenka eased to the first set, the second was an intense duel of fierce baseline rallies.
Sabalenka, seeded one at Wimbledon for the first time, usually overpowers her opponents with the sheer force of her game, but Branstine had firepower of her own.
ALSO READ: Kvitova relishes chance for farewell at 'special' Wimbledon
The Canadian powered down several big aces as she stayed ahead in the second set but Sabalenka sensed her chance at 5-5 and broke serve by forcing her opponent to net a forehand.
Sabalenka wrapped up the win with a solid hold.
'I'm super happy to be back and healthy and able to compete this year at this beautiful tournament,' said Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion and twice Wimbledon semifinalist.
'In the first set she didn't serve that great but in the second she was serving every serve at 120mph, which was crazy. It was a tough second set and I'm super happy with the win.'
Sabalenka pulled out of last year's Wimbledon because of a shoulder injury but she arrived this time with genuine title prospects and something to prove after losing in the final of the year's first two Grand Slams.
She will face either last year's surprise quarterfinalist Lulu Sun of New Zealand or Czech Marie Bouzkova in round two.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Guerrero breaks tie with 2-run single in 6th and Blue Jays beat Yankees 5-4
Jul 01, 2025 07:40 AM IST TORONTO — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. broke a tie with a two-run single in the sixth inning and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the New York Yankees 5-4 on Monday night. Guerrero breaks tie with 2-run single in 6th and Blue Jays beat Yankees 5-4 Guerrero went 2 for 4 with three RBIs and Ernie Clement had two hits and scored twice as the Blue Jays won for the fourth time in five games. Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a two-run homer and Cody Bellinger added a solo shot for the Yankees, who squandered a 3-1 lead. Toronto tied it on RBI singles by pinch-hitter Nathan Lukes and Clement in the sixth. Blue Jays outfielder George Springer exited after crashing headfirst into Chisholm's right leg trying to advance to third base on Guerrero's go-ahead hit off Jonathan Loáisiga. An inning earlier, Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham was removed because of a tight left hamstring. He was replaced by Jasson Domínguez. Making his second start since returning from injury, Max Scherzer allowed two runs and three hits in five innings for Toronto. He struck out seven and walked none. Brendon Little got the win despite allowing Giancarlo Stanton's RBI single in the sixth. Bellinger cut it to 5-4 with a homer off Mason Fluharty in the eighth. Chad Green ended the inning and Jeff Hoffman finished for his 19th save in 23 chances. Yankees starter Carlos Rodón exited with a 3-1 lead after Davis Schneider doubled to begin the sixth. Mark Leiter Jr. allowed hits to three of the four batters he faced before Loáisiga entered. Springer reached on catcher's interference ahead of Guerrero's pivotal hit. Aaron Judge drew his 20th intentional walk in the eighth, leaving him three shy of the Yankees record set by Mickey Mantle in 1957. ... Chisholm is batting .318 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 24 games since returning June 3 from a strained right oblique. Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman faces Yankees LHP Max Fried in Tuesday's Canada Day matinee. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.


Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Djokovic, Sinner enter Wimbledon fray
Novak Djokovic launches his latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown at Wimbledon on Tuesday as men's top seed Jannik Sinner makes his entrance. Djokovic, Sinner enter Wimbledon fray Defending women's champion Barbora Krejcikova begins her title defence against Eastbourne finalist Alexandra Eala with major question marks over her fitness. AFP Sport looks at the matches to watch on day two of the tournament at the All England Club. Novak Djokovic still dreams of ending his career as the most successful player in tennis history even as he watches a new generation take charge. The 38-year-old has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles since winning his most recent major prize at the 2023 US Open. The Serb has seen two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner share the past six Grand Slams between them. But the seven-time champion believes his most realistic hope of a historic 25th title lies on the grass of south-west London,. "I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance because of the results I had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level," said Djokovic. The veteran, who has lost the past two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz, has the added incentive of pulling level with the retired Roger Federer, who won a record eight men's titles at the All England Club. Djokovic starts his campaign against France's Alexandre Muller. The pair have only met once before, at the 2023 US Open, when the Serb dropped only five games. Jannik Sinner is the world number one and will be desperate to state his credentials at Wimbledon with his great rival Carlos Alcaraz gunning for a third straight title. The Italian has impressed since returning from a three-month doping ban, reaching the finals of the Italian Open and the French Open, both of which he lost to Alcaraz. Sinner then lost early at this month's Halle grass-court tournament but has a promising track record at Wimbledon, reaching the semi-finals in 2023 and the quarter-finals last year. The 23-year-old, who faces compatriot Luca Nardi in the first round, says he feels "ready to play". "I feel like that I'm playing great, great tennis on grass," he said. "Hopefully I can show this also in the match court." Defending women's champion Barbora Krejcikova is feeling her way back to fitness after pulling out of the Eastbourne Open with a thigh problem. The world number 16 has endured a difficult time since defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final last year, playing just six matches in 2025. She was out of action until May after suffering a back injury and lost in the second round of the recent French Open. But at least she looks likely to be fit to take to the court against Alexandra Eala on Tuesday. "I had to have couple days off where I didn't really play any tennis, but I did some off-court stuff," said the 29-year-old Czech. "I've been feeling every day a little bit better, so I'm really happy with that." Eala, ranked 56th in the world, could be a dangerous opponent. The 20-year-old made history by becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA final with her run to the Eastbourne title match last week. Earlier this year she enjoyed a breakthrough run to the Miami Open semi-finals. jw/smg This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Who is Lanny McDonald? Hockey legend retires as Hall of Fame chairman after a decade of behind-the-scenes brilliance
Lanny McDonald, celebrated for his iconic mustache and clutch goals, has retired as Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame (Image via the Canadian press) Lanny McDonald may be best remembered for his fiery red mustache and clutch goals, but his legacy stretches far beyond his days on the ice. After 10 years serving as Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame's Board, McDonald has officially retired from his leadership post—leaving behind a lasting impact that reshaped how hockey history is honored. From iconic winger to iconic leader: Lanny McDonald's transition off the ice Best known for lifting the Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames in 1989, Lanny McDonald didn't hang up his influence when he retired as a player. In 2015, he took over as Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and quietly but powerfully led the organization through milestones like the NHL 's centennial, the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup, and even the unpredictable challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 50 new Hall of Famers were inducted under his watch. — HockeyHallFame (@HockeyHallFame) His leadership style? Thoughtful, human, and humble. From overseeing monumental events to making sure Selection Committee members had comfortable chairs, McDonald proved that even the smallest decisions could reflect deep respect for the game. As the Hall itself said in tribute: 'Ten years. Countless moments. One unforgettable leader. Today, we celebrate Lanny McDonald… Lanny's legacy goes far beyond the ice—his passion, humour, and devotion to the game have shaped the Hall and inspired hockey fans around the world.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 올 여름, 아이들의 터닝포인트를 2만원으로 선물하세요 굿네이버스 더 알아보기 Undo A survivor, a gentleman, and a man of unmatched heart McDonald's off-ice legacy also includes countless acts of character and resilience. In 2024, he suffered a cardiac arrest at the Calgary airport shortly after the NHL All-Star Game. Surviving thanks to quick medical action, he went on to undergo quadruple bypass surgery—and returned to work like nothing happened. That kind of grit defined him. He was the NHL's first-ever King Clancy Trophy winner for leadership and humanitarian work and was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the WHL. As one fan simply put it: 'A truly decent person. Congrats Lanny.' Also Read: 'People felt betrayed': Wayne Gretzky's ties with Donald Trump resurface and spark heated debate in Canada In a sport that often glorifies toughness, Lanny McDonald showed that true greatness lies in integrity. And yes, the mustache still stands as strong as his legacy. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.