Day 1 of Wimbledon kicks off with a whopping 32 women’s matches–half of the first round. As always, our team here at LWOT will share their thoughts on every single match with you. We split the 32 matches between eight articles. In addition to this articles, the other feature Aryna Sabalenka vs Carson Branstine, Elina Svitolina vs Anna Bondar, Emma Raducanu vs Mingge Xu, Leylah Fernandez vs Hannah Klugman, Amanda Anisimova vs Yulia Putintseva, Naomi Osaka vs Talia Gibson, and Jasmine Paolini vs Anastasija Sevastova. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Tope Oke, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will win?
Wimbledon Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Paula Badosa vs Katie Boulter
Jordan:
This could be one of the best matches of the first round matches between two powerful hitters. At her best, two-time Nottingham Open champion Boulter might be more dangerous on grass than Emma Raducanu, who the British press usually pin their hopes on. Badosa had more injury issues in the run-up to Wimbledon. That gives Boulter a great chance.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Tope:
Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event where Paula Badosa has not made it to the quarterfinals, as her style of play tends to be more compatible with other surfaces.
Katie Boulter lost her status as the British #1 after being knocked out in the second round at Queen’s recently, but she bounced back by reaching the quarterfinals in Nottingham. The 28-year-old has not lost a first-round match at Wimbledon since she started competing in 2017, and with Badosa’s physical status uncertain following her recent withdrawal, an upset isn’t impossible.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Yesh:
This should be a great match. Both players hit the ball very cleanly and move comfortably on the grass. Ultimately, I think Badosa is the better player, and should she find her rhythm she should win.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Yanina Wickmayer vs Renata Zarazua
Jordan:
This is a draw both players must be happy with. On grass, I favor Wickmayer slightly more. Zarazua’s playing style is one that often breaks down on the surface.
Prediction: Wickmayer in 2
Tope:
Yanina Wickmayer will be looking to write the final chapter of her career with a first win in Wimbledon three years. She’s been playing here since her debut in 2008, and there’s enough motivation to win this against Zarazua–who has played just 17 grass court matches all through her career.
Prediction: Wickmayer in 2
Yesh:
Wickmayer’s retirement might be given a slight reprieve with a favorable draw. I think she’ll be able to get past Zarazua, who has never played well on grass.
Prediction: Wickmayer in 2
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Jelena Ostapenko vs Sonay Kartal
Jordan:
Kartal usually sets out to frustrate opponents and extract errors. That style could work well against the ultra aggressive Ostapenko, who is also prone to hysterics. But the sheer weight of the Latvian’s hitting still makes her the favorite to overcome Kartal, whose defense would not get good enough if Ostapenko plays her best.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Tope:
Jelena Ostapenko has made it to at least three quarterfinals in Wimbledon and is 7-2 in the opening round. While Kartal will pose a stiff challenge like she did in their Eastbourne encounter a few days ago, the match should end in the same outcome.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Yesh:
It always surprises me that Ostapenko hasn’t had more success on grass. The Latvian’s power should make her formidable on the surface. Maybe this year will be her year?
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Madison Keys vs Elena Gabriela Ruse
Jordan:
Keys always feels like a dark horse at Wimbledon each year, but it has yet to come together for her at SW19. Could the 2025 iteration be her moment? Regardless of whether it is, expect her to have few problems against Ruse, who plays much better on clay.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Tope:
Elena-Gabriela Ruse has advanced past the first round of every Grand Slam tournament except for Wimbledon, with her last four appearances in the London main draw ending in early exits. Her opponent Keys, however has reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon twice.
Although the American prefers clay and hard courts, after winning her first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January and making it to the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, she will be looking to make a deep run in this tournament as well.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Yesh:
Keys seems freer and more relaxed since she won the Australian Open in January. She shouldn’t have trouble in her opener here, on what should be her favorite surface.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
