Union Jack jackets, tennis ball-emblazoned top hats, strawberry-themed outfits - fans were out in force with their own twists on Wimbledon attire on Day 1.

A trio of Italian fans were posing for pictures; one dressed in vintage Bjorn Borg Fila gear, one in the exact look of John McEnroe and one in the recent blue-and-green outfit of world No.1 Jannik Sinner. They even acted in 'character', with wigs, accents and all. Now that is dedication.

Other themes and colours popped up, in particular the yellow and green of Brazil. Their teenage talisman Joao Fonseca continues to build his global fanbase with his full-throttle tennis.

On No.1 Court, Fonseca became the first 18-year-old to reach the second round at the All England Club since a certain Carlos Alcaraz in 2021 with a commanding 6-4, 6-1, 7-6(5) passage past Britain's Jacob Fearnley.

The captivating teenager's family watched from the stands, Fonseca's mum beaming with pride as she snapped some pictures on her phone to capture a dream debut from the Brazilian.

“It means a lot, it's super special for me. It's my favourite Grand Slam since my childhood - I've been watching all the matches, so it's just a pleasure being here,” said Fonseca, who next faces Jenson Brooksby.

“I'm sorry [for] winning against a British guy, but thanks a lot for the support here,” he added.

“It's a beautiful court, it's unbelievable, this is just a dream. I'm very happy to have this opportunity.

“I've been working a lot and believing that I can play good tennis. The key is just work, believe and dream.

STARS STARRING

Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 ladies’ champion, reminded observers of her credentials in her 6-1, 7-6(3) victory over No.23 seed McCartney Kessler. There was also a solid start on the pristine lawns for 2024 finalist Jasmine Paolini, a 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 winner over Anastasija Sevastova. Crowd favourite Ons Jabeur had a tougher day at SW19, with the two-time finalist forced to retire from her match against Viktoriya Tomova. Another former finalist, No.32 seed Matteo Berrettini, also exited early when Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak claimed a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 upset.

SVITOLINA’S STREAK

It’s quite the record that Elina Svitolina is amassing. As the first match winner of the 2025 Championships – by virtue of a 6-3, 6-1 progression against Anna Bondar – the No.14 seed built a streak of 22 straight first-round wins at Grand Slams. Svitolina most recently lost a Grand Slam first round at the 2018 edition of Wimbledon, when she exited to Tatjana Maria. 

SEEDS SCUPPERED

Daniil Medvedev is apparently not a morning person. “I usually play a bit worse at 11,” conceded the No.9 seed. “At the same time throughout my career, I won so many matches at 11 or late, and I lost some.” But the two-time Wimbledon semi-finalist wasn’t blaming the schedule after Benjamin Bonzi claimed a 7-6(2), 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2 upset on No.2 Court. “I know that he can play well,” said Medvedev of the Frenchman, who at world No.64 is ranked 55 places lower. Nicolas Jarry staged a marathon comeback over No.8 seed Holger Rune, the 29-year-old Chilean securing his 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 win in three hours and 34 minutes. Nuno Borges was another upset winner, eliminating No.16 Francisco Cerundolo with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-0 victory.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Jiri Lehecka continued his run of good form in London, with the recent Queen’s finalist a 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(0) winner over Hugo Dellien. Other seeds to progress included No.14 Andrey Rublev and No.17 Karen Khachanov. In the ladies’ draw, No.12 seed Diana Shnaider, No.13 Amanda Anisimova and No.29 Leylah Fernandez all progressed to the second round.

HIGH PROFILE SUPPORT

While 2022 gentlemen’s finalist Nick Kyrgios is sidelined with injury, he’s still a notable presence at SW19. The Australian sat among Naomi Osaka’s support team as the former world No.1 claimed a straight sets victory over qualifier Talia Gibson. “That's a little embarrassing that he was there,” said a sheepish Osaka in press. “I guess it is cool.”

AUSSIE BATTLERS

They don’t call them Aussie Battlers for nothing. Trailing two sets against Czech Vit Kopriva, Jordan Thompson roared back to life and claimed a 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-1 victory. Thompson was supported by 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt, whose familiar cries of “C’mon mate” echoed around the court. Thompson responded with his own ferocious “c’mons” late in the three hour, 37-minute battle. Fellow Aussie James Duckworth pushed Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime to five tough sets, before the No.25 seed prevailed. Alexei Popyrin, the No.20 seed, couldn’t manage a fightback against Arthur Fery, the British wild card advancing with a 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 victory.

TOUGH LUCK

“It's tough to describe. I mean, I'm battling many wars these days,” was Stefanos Tstisipas’ blunt assessment after a back injury forced his retirement against Valentin Royer when the Frenchman led by two sets.

WELL TIMED

Donna Vekic was overheard lamenting her Wimbledon-themed fingernails had required two hours with a manicurist; the No.22 seed spent less time winning her first match, with her 6-0, 6-4 win over Kimberly Birrell completed in an hour and 19 minutes.