Laura Siegemund’s name is echoing across the lawns of Wimbledon in 2025. At 37, she has become the oldest first-time women’s singles quarter finals in the Open Era, capturing the imagination of tennis fans in the UK and beyond. Her journey this summer is a testament to resilience, tactical brilliance, and the enduring appeal of experience in a sport often dominated by youth.
Early Career and the Road Less Travelled
Siegemund’s path to tennis stardom was far from straightforward. The German endured a decade of early exits and qualifying heartbreaks at Grand Slam events. Her breakthrough came later than most, and she spent her early professional years battling injuries and competing in lower-level tournaments in Germany. During this period, she earned a degree in psychology, graduating top of her class, and even wrote her thesis on “choking under pressure”—a topic familiar to many athletes.
Her academic background has given her a unique perspective on the mental challenges of elite sport. However, Siegemund herself downplays its impact on her on-court performance, noting that knowing the theory and executing under pressure are very different things.
Wimbledon 2025: A Career-Best Run
This year, Siegemund’s Wimbledon campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. She arrived at the All England Club as the world number 104 and the second oldest woman in the main draw. Despite these odds, she stormed into the quarterfinals without dropping a set, dispatching higher-ranked opponents with a blend of guile and precision.
Her run began with a victory over world number 36 Peyton Stearns, followed by a commanding win against 29th seed Leylah Fernandez. The highlight came when she ousted reigning Australian Open champion and sixth seed Madison Keys in straight sets, showcasing her ability to disrupt the rhythm of even the most powerful players. Siegemund then defeated Solana Sierra, a 21-year-old lucky loser, to secure her place in the last eight.
The Artistry of Siegemund’s Game
Siegemund’s style is a throwback to an earlier era of tennis. She relies on a mix of drop shots, slices, lobs, and net approaches to unsettle her opponents. Her tactical variety has drawn comparisons to tennis from the 1980s, and she has been praised for her ability to outsmart and frustrate more powerful rivals.
Annabel Croft, former British number one, described Siegemund’s play as “deflating” for her opponents, noting that her smart approach and unpredictable shot selection have been key to her success at Wimbledon this year. Amy Lofthouse of BBC Sport observed that Siegemund’s confidence and creativity on Centre Court have made her a crowd favourite, especially among British fans who love an underdog story.
Giant-Killing and Mental Fortitude
Siegemund’s journey to the quarterfinals has included a series of upsets. She has eliminated three seeded players and has not lost more than six games in any match so far. Her ability to save breakpoints—leading the women’s field at 89 percent—has been a hallmark of her resilience.
Her mental toughness has been forged through years of setbacks and comebacks. Siegemund credits her experience and the lessons learned from both psychology and sport for her ability to handle pressure. She has spoken candidly about the difference between theoretical knowledge and performing under the spotlight, emphasising that true composure comes from experience rather than study alone.
The Quarterfinal Challenge: Facing Sabalenka
Siegemund’s reward for her career-best run is a daunting quarter final clash with world number one Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian powerhouse has not dropped a set in the tournament and leads their head-to-head record 2-0, with both wins coming in straight sets. However, this is their first meeting on grass, and Siegemund’s current form and unique style could pose new problems for the top seed.
Experts predict that Sabalenka’s raw power and dominant serve will test Siegemund’s defensive skills. Yet, Siegemund’s ability to extend rallies and disrupt rhythm may force Sabalenka out of her comfort zone. As one analyst put it, “Siegemund’s surprise run has been one of the feel-good stories of the tournament—but this is where things get real”.
Beyond Singles: Doubles Success and Legacy
Siegemund’s achievements are not limited to singles. She is a three-time Grand Slam champion in doubles and mixed doubles, with titles at the US Open and WTA Finals. Her versatility and tactical intelligence have made her a formidable doubles player, and she has reached the doubles quarterfinals at Wimbledon in both 2023 and 2024.
Her success in both singles and doubles highlights her adaptability and love for the sport. Siegemund has hinted at a future in sports psychology or coaching, drawing on her academic background and on-court experience to support the next generation of players.
The UK Connection: Winning Over Wimbledon
British tennis fans have embraced Siegemund’s underdog story and unconventional style. Her matches have drawn enthusiastic support on Centre Court, with many spectators relishing her ability to challenge the favourites. The UK’s appreciation for tactical play and sporting resilience has made Siegemund a popular figure during this year’s Championships.
Her run has also sparked renewed interest in the longevity of athletes and the importance of mental strength in sport. UK commentators have highlighted her journey as a reminder that experience and perseverance can still triumph in the modern game.
Conclusion
Laura Siegemund’s Wimbledon 2025 run is more than a sporting fairytale. It is a testament to the value of experience, the power of mental strength, and the beauty of tactical tennis. As she continues to defy expectations and delight crowds, Siegemund stands as a role model for athletes everywhere—a reminder that age is no barrier to excellence, and that the love of the game can carry you further than anyone expects.
To read more click here
