Barbora Krejcikova will open her Wimbledon title defence with a match against Filipina breakout star Alexandre Eala. Two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova missed the first five months of the season due to a back issue.
2025 WTA Tour
Grand Slam Tennis
Wimbledon Tennis Championships
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England (Outdoor Grass-court)
Selected 1st Round Matches- 1st July
Barbora Krejcikova (17) 0.93 vs Alexandra Eala 0.85
The plucky baseliner ground out a solid run in Eastbourne, taking down the British duo of Dart and Burrage before withdrawing ahead of her quarterfinal clash (there’s no need to risk a flare-up of that back issue). 20-year-old Alexandre Eala has been one of this season’s true trailblazers, becoming the first Filipino (man or woman) to enter the top 100 in the world rankings (she is currently ranked 56th). She defied expectations at the Miami Open, defeating three Grand Slam champs en route to a semifinal finish. She produced another excellent result on the eve of this event, reaching her maiden WTA Tour final in Eastbourne. She combines effortless power with excellent athleticism. The lefty can generate heavy topspin off that forehand wing (though she can flatten it on when necessary).
The Verdict: Krejcikova to win in three at 3.8- This will be their first career meeting. This is going to be a fascinating clash. Both of these players can mix things up, switching effortlessly from aggressor to counterpuncher. I just think that Krejcikova’s big-match temperament and exceptional net-play should give her the edge in three (despite her lack of big-match tennis).
