British No 1 Jack Draper did not get to finish his first-round match against Sebastian Baez, because of his opponent’s retirement through injury, but he can still be pleased with his evening’s work.
One of the latest seeds to make his bow at this year’s Championships, Draper broke serve in the opening game and maintained a high standard of tennis throughout, despite the lack of any tangible challenge from his opponent.
Baez had not played a tournament in the three-week gap between the French Open and Wimbledon, which suggests that he was not feeling his best even before this tournament started.
But when Baez slipped on the grass, late in the first set, he seemed to aggravate something in his thigh or groin. A lengthy medical time-out in the second set, in which he was attended by the doctor and the physio, revealed that he was feeling sore.
Baez battled on for a little longer before abandoning ship with the score reading 6-2, 6-2, 2-1 to Draper, who had broken serve five times while not facing a single break point himself.
It was a non-contest, lasting just 74 minutes, and Draper suggested that he would have liked to continue for a little longer. But on a day when his scheduled third-round opponent Sacha Bublik was unexpectedly eliminated, this was still an encouraging start to Draper’s campaign.
Mpetshi Perricard’s 153mph serve breaks Wimbledon record, but he still loses point
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard broke the record for the fastest first and second serves in Wimbledon history but was still beaten by the fifth seeded American Taylor Fritz.
In a match that prompted frequent gasps and even outbursts of laughter from the No 1 Court crowd at the sheer ferocity of Mpetshi Perricard’s serving, Fritz somehow also won the point after facing down what was an incredible 153mph serve.
🤯 153mph! 🤯
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard recorded the fastest EVER serve in Wimbledon history ⚡️#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/owuywpkqWv
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 30, 2025
The serve had been aimed at Fritz’s body who, as well as his extraordinary reflexes, showed considerable resilience in coming back from two sets down and then also 5-1 down in the fourth set tie-break to prevail after staring defeat in the face.
Mpetshi Perricard also recorded a speed of 147mph for one second serve but, in a match of just two breaks of serve throughout, was ultimately let down by his wider game and some wild hitting from the back of the court. The Frenchman did not create even one breakpoint during the entire match after winning the opening two sets on a tie-break.
Aged 21, and standing at 6ft 8in tall, Mpetshi Perricard had delivered his record-breaking serve under the roof on Monday night to beat Taylor Dent’s previous record of 148mph by some 5mph. He also recorded service speeds of 149mph and 146mph during the first game of the match to give Wimbledon’s new computerised line system its ultimate test.
“It was a crazy match,” said Fritz. “I thought it was about to be all over last night in the fourth set tie-breaker. I’m so happy to get through.”
Of winning the point after successfully returning Wimbledon’s fastest ever serve, Fritz said: “The funny thing is I always tell my coaches, ‘I think body serves are awful’. So there’s the proof.”
Fritz was unhappy to have the match cut short on Monday night because of Wimbledon’s 11pm curfew, with the referee bringing the players off at 10.18pm before the start of the fifth set. It meant returning again on Tuesday ahead of his second round match on Wednesday. “It’s a huge week for me with my recent results on grass,” said Fritz.
07:59 PM BST
Jod done for Draper
07:49 PM BST
Who will Draper play next?
The Briton will come up against big-serving former US Open champion Marin Cilic on Thursday.
The Croat isn’t the same force of yesteryear but that will be a real test for Draper.
07:33 PM BST
Draper on dealing with pressure
I don’t think about it until people mention it every five minutes! I just think about what I can control and play the best tennis I can. You can’t think about any of that. I’m really looking forward to this next week or so, it’s going to be great.
I have to face whoever is in front of me, I can’t be thinking about five matches ahead. I focus on whoever is up next. Everyone who is in this draw is in on their own merit, they can all play incredible tennis.
Until I earn my place in the next round, I’m not there yet.
07:27 PM BST
Draper reacts
I wanted to play a bit longer in all honesty. It is no way to win like that and I wish Sebastian the best in his recovery of course.
07:21 PM BST
Perfect result for Draper
Hardly had to exert himself, on and off the court in 74 minutes. A nice little run out in the summer.
07:10 PM BST
Draper 6-2, 6-2, 2-1 Baez* – BAEZ RETIRES
Baez double faults to spark a few groans from the crowd, 0-30. Those groans turn to cheers as Drapper earns three break points.
Draper breaks again after a deep return draws the error from Baez.
Hang on. Baez has walked over to Draper and conceded the match. He retires at two sets and a break down.
Jack Draper advances to the second round after Sebastian Baez is forced to retire with injury #Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/7XvpBFCnSl
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2025
07:05 PM BST
Draper* 6-2, 6-2, 1-1 Baez
Another Draper service game slips by Baez without a break point chance. To be fair, he has hardly been given a sniff at breaking.
07:04 PM BST
‘Draper so comfortable’
Draper so comfortable that he sent down two first serves on that final point. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this performance so far has been his focus in the face of a non-contest.
07:02 PM BST
Third set: Draper 6-2, 6-2, 0-1 Baez*
How much does Baez have left in the tank? His body language isn’t great but he does manage to hold here to love.
It will take something special to come back from this position.
06:59 PM BST
Draper* 6-2, 6-2 Baez
Serving exhibition from Draper. Three first serves in, three Baez unreturned balls.
Draper hammers down wide second serve and Baez’s attempt deflects off the frame of his racket and into the crowd on set point.
The Briton has been too good.
06:55 PM BST
Draper 6-2, 5-2 Baez*
One of Baez’s better games as he holds to 15 and makes Draper serve for a two-set lead on Court No 1.
06:53 PM BST
Draper* 6-2, 5-1 Baez
Another visit from the tournament physio for Baez before the start of the game. Again, Baez comes out to play.
Baez gets Draper on the run and draws the error. Draper stretches out his hip and left leg. Perhaps some discomfort from chasing in the back court in the point.
His arm is fine though as he blasts two first serves in and Baez fails to return them.
06:49 PM BST
Draper 6-2, 4-1 Baez*
Baez’s movement doesn’t seem to be too hampered. Draper is just too big and strong. It is overwhelming him. Every point is a battle to survive.
Draper earns himself another break point and he takes it in brilliant style. Baez hits a nice drop shot, Draper chases it down and whips a forehand cross-court winner.
Draper breaks again.
The famous Wimbledon groan – a collective sigh which greets missed shots – has been prominent in this match, mainly directed at Baez. The fans were grateful to have a chance to actually make some positive noise after Draper’s last shot to break for 4-1, a running forehand winner.
06:41 PM BST
Draper* 6-2, 3-1 Baez
No mercy from Draper as he blasts his way through to another love hold. Ruthless.
06:39 PM BST
Draper 6-2, 2-1 Baez*
It appears Baez is still dealing with the effects of his slip earlier in the set. A lengthy discussion is taking place but Baez says he is good to continue.
It was interesting that Baez didn’t enter any events between the French Open and Wimbledon, suggesting some sort of possible injury concern. With the trainer and doctor both on court, we might be looking at a potential retirement.
06:35 PM BST
Draper 6-2, 2-1 Baez*
A rare comfortable service hold for Baez. That will be a relief to him. Still he has an uphill task.
Hold on. A trainer has been called for Baez.
06:32 PM BST
Draper* 6-2, 2-0 Baez
Draper is yet to face a break point in the match and he doesn’t in this service game either.
Baez wants to go toe-to-toe with Draper but he can’t deal with the weight of shot coming his way. Draper marches on as he consolidates the break.
06:28 PM BST
Second set: Draper 6-2, 1-0 Baez*
Nasty slip by Baez draws gasps from the crowd. Baez takes a moment before getting up gingerly. To compound matters, Draper has taken him to deuce and then earns a break point after a huge forehand down the line winner.
Deep return by Draper puts Baez on the back foot and he pushes a backhand long.
Draper breaks.
06:24 PM BST
‘Just 26 minutes for the first set’
Just 26 minutes for the first set. The main question here could be whether Draper can improve on Andy Murray’s fastest passage through the opening round, which was a 95-minute victory over Nikolay Davydenko in 2012: the year he reached the final for the first time.
06:21 PM BST
Draper* 6-2 Baez
Draper strides out with purpose to serve for the set. An ace down the T puts him 30-15 ahead. Behind me, someone pops their champagne cork. A bit early that.
Two set points for Draper and he takes them when Baez nets a backhand. One-way traffic in that set.
06:18 PM BST
Draper 5-2 Baez*
A bit of fortune for Baez as his forehand smacks the net cord and drops on Draper’s side, 40-15. Baez tries something new with a bit of serve and volley but he pushes his volley into the tramlines.
Bang. Vicious angled forehand by Baez to hold. Probably his best shot of the day.
06:15 PM BST
Draper* 5-1 Baez
Another swift love hold for Draper, who is putting on a serving masterclass. Crowd on Court No 1 seem a bit stunned by what they are seeing.
06:13 PM BST
Draper 4-1 Baez*
Pressure appears to be getting to Baez as a couple of loose forehands and a double fault give Draper a break point at 30-40.
Wild forehand long by Baez and Draper breaks for the second time.
06:09 PM BST
Draper* 3-1 Baez
If Draper can keep holding serve in 70 seconds he will be very happy. So far, his power is overwhelming Baez, who doesn’t have an answer at this stage
06:08 PM BST
Draper 2-1 Baez*
Baez holds and gets on the board in the match. That should settle him, given the barrage he has faced so far.
06:04 PM BST
Draper* 2-0 Baez
Baez is having to do a lot of work to stay in the rallies with Draper. Draper is getting his forehand into play at every opportunity and crushing the ball.
The Briton holds to 15 to consolidate the break.
06:01 PM BST
First set: Jack Draper 1-0 Sebastian Baez* (*denotes server)
Plenty of support for Draper as he runs out to receive first. As you would have seen in my previous post, Baez is not a grass court expert. He is much more comfortable on clay. But he is still capable of causing Draper trouble.
However, Draper has come out firing already and gets the fans excited with his big hitting. He earns himself a break point, pulls Baez left then right and gets a forehand into the net.
Draper breaks.
05:53 PM BST
Tale of the tennis tape
05:49 PM BST
‘Draper will win big, big titles’: Sinner on bromance with British No 1
By Simon Briggs
Jannik Sinner was in a snoozy mood. He must have yawned three or four times while I was interviewing him, which does not say much for the originality of my questions.
But one subject sparked his interest. Asked about his friendship with Jack Draper – the latest British hero to enter the labyrinth of Wimbledon – Sinner perked up noticeably and leaned forward. From the beady look in his eye, he could have been preparing to return serve.
“You’re lucky to have a player like him,” said Sinner, the top seed and world No 1. “After Andy [Murray], they need someone big. He [Draper] is someone big, and he’s someone who is going to stay there for a very, very long time.”
Click here to read the rest of Simon’s interview with the Italian world No 1.
05:43 PM BST
Draper has been fuelled by ‘nepo baby’ jibes
By Simon Briggs
There was a period in Jack Draper’s life – the best part of a decade, in fact – when he could barely enter a tournament without someone bringing up his parentage.
As the son of Roger Draper, the man who ran British tennis from 2007 to 2013, Jack was the ultimate nepo baby. Rival parents saw him as a lucky swine, unfairly promoted ahead of their own little darlings.
This is entirely typical of junior tennis: a seething cauldron of jealousy and spite that would make an irresistible reality TV show.
Such resentments inevitably fed through to the other young players. When I first interviewed Draper, in the summer of 2020, he told me, “I would often go to junior tournaments and have 15 boys on the balcony I had never seen before willing me on to lose, making noises before I serve.”
One wonders what all those hecklers are thinking now, as Draper prepares to enter Wimbledon as the fourth seed. Do they still believe that his career benefited from preferential treatment? Do they imagine themselves walking out on No1 Court, if only they had been similarly favoured?
Click here to read the rest of Simon’s piece.
05:34 PM BST
Boost for Draper
Before Draper has even stepped onto court, he will have been boosted by the surprise exit of Alexander Bublik, who knocked him out of the French Open last month.
Bublik, fresh from capturing his second Halle title last month, cut a frustrated figure towards the end of a lacklustre opening set against Jaume Munar on Court No 14 where he surrendered his serve two times and barely dipped into his bag of tricks.
Having swapped his headband for a cap to shield himself from the heat, Bublik appeared a player transformed in the next set as he quickly found his range and erased the deficit after forcing Munar into a backhand error on set point.
The big crowds braving conditions on the outside court to catch the Kazakh trickster had to settle for a more workmanlike display early in the third set as Bublik fought back from 1-3 down before offering glimpses of his drop-shot brilliance.
With his tail up after securing the third set, 28th seed Bublik raced ahead in the fourth and was serving for the match at 5-4 before Munar clawed back to make it two sets apiece via the tiebreak.
Munar capitalised from there as the world No 55 took control of the match with an early break in the decider and sent his opponent tumbling out with minimum fuss.
05:24 PM BST
Draper begins title bid
Hello and welcome to coverage of the great British hope for Wimbledon, Jack Draper.
Last year, Draper crashed out in the second round to Cameron Norrie in a very disappointing result. Since then, the 23-year-old has enjoyed an excellent 12 months, winning two titles including his first Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells.
He has also risen to fourth in the world rankings and that means expectations are high for a decent run this year.
“Obviously when Andy retired, they said I was the next in line,” said Draper. “I know it’s Wimbledon coming up, but I think I didn’t really think about it then, and I’ve improved so much and put myself in this position.
“I’ll do my best to keep trying and improving, to show my best tennis out there, to hopefully present myself as the player and the person I want to be.
“Obviously Andy has done an unbelievable job of that and has been incredibly successful and has become adored by the nation. It’s obviously big shoes to fill. I’m aware of that. At the same time I’m confident in myself that hopefully I can inspire people like Andy has done.”
Draper’s prospects do not appear to have been helped by a brutal draw that put young star Jakub Mensik, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner all in his path.
But the fourth seed is not yet looking past his first-round opponent, Argentina’s Sebastian Baez.
“I haven’t looked at that at all,” he said. “I look at my first round, who I have. I respect every person in the draw. Obviously I’ve got Baez on Tuesday, and I’m not looking further than that.
“I know he’s a strong player. He’s here off his own merit. I look no further than him. I try and think about that as I go on. But, firstly, we’ll start with that one.”
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