wimbledon, Great Britain – In a captivating turn of events at The Championships, Wimbledon 2025, veteran German player laura Siegemund has defied expectations and rewritten her own history. At 37 years old, making her the second-oldest woman in the starting draw, the World No. 104 secured a stunning upset victory. She defeated the reigning Australian Open champion and World No. 6 seed, Madison Keys, in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, to reach the fourth round. This remarkable achievement marks Siegemund’s deepest singles run ever at the All England Club. Her three main-draw wins in just five days surpass her total career singles wins at Wimbledon entering this tournament.
A Decade of Struggle Leads to Unprecedented Success
Laura Siegemund’s journey at Wimbledon has historically been challenging. For a decade, she faced early exits. She attempted Grand Slam qualifying ten times before finally succeeding here at Wimbledon ten years ago. Even then, her main-draw appearance ended in the first round. In the subsequent years leading up to 2025, Siegemund managed only two singles match victories combined at Wimbledon. Her previous best result was the second round. This year, however, a completely different narrative is unfolding on the grass courts.
Breaking Down the Upset Victory Over Madison Keys
The match against Madison Keys, a formidable opponent with a dominant 13-1 Grand Slam record in 2025 entering this contest, showcased Siegemund’s unique tactical prowess. Played under sunny skies on Court 2, Siegemund employed a disruptive game style. She kept Keys off balance with a mix of drop shots, slices, lobs, and unpredictable short balls. This variety frustrated the 30-year-old American and prevented her from finding a consistent rhythm.
While Siegemund broke Keys’ serve multiple times, her defensive resilience was equally crucial. She arrived at the match as the women’s tour leader in break points saved percentage, converting an impressive 89% of opportunities against her. Against Keys, she saved three of four break points faced in the first set, helping her secure it comfortably. Even when Keys broke back at the start of the second set, Siegemund immediately responded, breaking Keys twice more to establish a decisive lead.
The final statistics underscored Siegemund’s efficiency and Keys’ struggles against the unconventional game. Siegemund finished with a clean sheet, recording 19 winners to just 11 unforced errors. In contrast, Keys hit 16 winners but committed a significant 31 unforced errors. Overall, Siegemund broke Keys’ serve five times throughout the match, demonstrating effective returning pressure.
Context in an Upset-Filled Tournament
Siegemund’s victory over the No. 6 seed is particularly significant within the context of Wimbledon 2025. The tournament has seen an unusually high number of seeded players eliminated early. By the end of Thursday’s play, 17 out of the 32 seeds, including five of the Top 10, were already out. This trend suggests a heightened level of competition across the board, where margins between top players and those ranked slightly lower are incredibly small, allowing for upsets on any given day. Keys’ defeat means Aryna Sabalenka, who won her third-round match against Emma Raducanu in a tough battle, is the only remaining Top 10 seed in the top half of the draw. Siegemund’s breakthrough is a prime example of this unpredictable tournament landscape.
Siegemund: A Veteran with a Versatile Game
Laura Siegemund is much more than just a singles player. Born on March 4, 1988, she turned professional in 2006. While her singles career high is World No. 27, she has reached World No. 4 in doubles. Her doubles success is considerable, including a US Open women’s doubles title in 2020 and the WTA Finals doubles title in 2023. She also holds mixed doubles Grand Slam titles from the US Open (2016) and Roland Garros (2024). This experience in doubles likely contributes to her tactical awareness, net play, and ability to construct points effectively in singles, skills evident in her match against Keys.
Adding historical weight to her run, Siegemund is now the sixth player in the Open Era (since 1968) aged 37 or older to reach the women’s singles Round of 16 at Wimbledon. She joins an elite group that includes tennis legends like Billie Jean King and the Williams sisters. Off the court, Siegemund holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a background that perhaps offers insight into her mental resilience and strategic approach to the game. She is coached by her partner, former Italian pro Antonio Zucca.
Looking Ahead: A Meeting of Unexpected Contenders
Siegemund’s path forward at Wimbledon leads her to another surprising contender: lucky loser Solana Sierra. The 21-year-old Argentine has also carved out an improbable run, securing the first three main-draw Grand Slam wins of her career to reach the fourth round. This matchup promises an intriguing clash between a seasoned veteran enjoying a late-career singles surge and a young player experiencing a breakthrough moment. A win in her next match would see Siegemund equal her career-best Wimbledon result, which was reaching the doubles quarterfinals in 2023 and 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Laura Siegemund’s 2025 Wimbledon performance compare to her previous history?
Laura Siegemund had a long history of struggle at Wimbledon. Before 2025, she had won only two singles matches in her entire career at the tournament over a decade. Her deepest run was just the second round. This year, by reaching the fourth round with three wins in five days, she has surpassed her total career Wimbledon singles victories and achieved her best-ever singles result at the All England Club.
What is unique about Laura Siegemund’s playing style, and how did it help her beat Madison Keys?
Laura Siegemund is known for her disruptive and unconventional playing style. She uses a variety of shots including drop shots, slices, and lobs to take opponents out of their comfort zone and rhythm. This tactical approach, combined with strong defensive play and a high break point saved percentage (89% entering the match), was highly effective against Madison Keys, leading to numerous unforced errors from the American and enabling Siegemund to control key moments.
What historical age record did Laura Siegemund achieve at Wimbledon 2025?
At 37 years old, Laura Siegemund made history by becoming the sixth player in the Open Era (since 1968) aged 37 or older to reach the women’s singles Round of 16 at Wimbledon. This puts her in a distinguished group alongside legendary players like Billie Jean King and Venus and Serena Williams, highlighting the extraordinary nature of her deep run at this stage of her career.
Laura Siegemund’s journey at Wimbledon 2025 serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and adapting one’s game. Defying age and past struggles, she has put together a memorable run that has captivated fans and shaken up the draw. As she advances to the Round of 16, she continues to prove that experience and tactical intelligence can still conquer raw power, making her a fascinating story to follow.
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