Laura Siegemund took Centre Court by surprise during Tuesday’s Wimbledon quarter-final, rattling world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic and emotionally charged opening set. As the match got underway, it was clear this would be anything but routine for the top seed.
Laura Siegemund delivers a masterclass at Wimbledon, unsettling world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka with vintage tactics, sharp drop shots, and relentless pressure.
With a number of top seeds already eliminated, Sabalenka had been the heavy favourite to lift the women’s singles title. However, Laura Siegemund had other plans. The German came out firing, racing to a 3-0 lead and immediately throwing Sabalenka off her game.
Siegemund’s play was sharp, clever and composed. Her mix of delicate drop shots and pinpoint winners kept the Belarusian guessing, unable to settle into her rhythm.
For fans keeping track of all the action and upcoming matches, don’t miss the 2025 Wimbledon Championships schedule for full details on quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final showdowns.
The early break deficit seemed to unnerve Sabalenka. And as tensions rose, she vented her frustration, not just at her own play but also at the ball boys.
During the fifth game, serving near the Royal Box, Sabalenka grew irritated when the ball boys were not prepared with balls quickly enough. She gestured impatiently, palms out in confusion, then rolled her eyes.
The balls eventually had to be rolled down from Siegemund’s end of the court. Sabalenka, still clearly seething, tapped a few back with annoyance.
She did manage to recover one of the two breaks, but Siegemund’s focus and execution didn’t falter.
“Siegemund has come out flying here. What an opening,” said two-time Grand Slam winner Tracey Austin on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“She is looking very calm and is playing with the perfect offensive balance. You never know what is coming next from Siegemund. I would hate to play her. She has you on a string when she is playing her best.
“Sabalenka needs to counter the slices from Siegemund and use them as an excuse to get to the net. That will be an advantage for the world number one.
“The chip return from Siegemund is also an opportunity for Sabalenka to get ahead of the point. Aryna has certainly been the most consistent player in the WTA this year.”
Sabalenka’s body language told its own story. Far from her usual confident stride, she looked frustrated and tense. Annoyed glances and shrugged shoulders became more frequent as the set slipped away.
Former British No.1 Annabel Croft commented: “It is really old-fashioned, 80s-style tennis from Siegemund. It is very intelligent and is outfoxing Sabalenka.
Sabalenka normally walks tall around the court, but she is looking a little deflated at the moment. She is trying not to get upset with herself, but you know she is bubbling under the surface.”
Laura Siegemund’s vintage style and tactical brilliance were the perfect antidote to Sabalenka’s usual power game. Her ability to mix things up, keep points short, and dictate the tempo left the world No.1 with little room to recover.
As the quarter-final progressed, the big question remained — could Sabalenka steady her emotions and find a way back, or was this Siegemund’s moment to create a true Wimbledon upset?
One thing is certain — Laura Siegemund made her mark on Centre Court, and she wasn’t there to play second fiddle.
