Bia Haddad and João Fonseca earn R$991K in Wimbledon’s first round

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Bia Haddad - Foto: Foto: Bia Haddad - Foto: Instagram

Bia Haddad and João Fonseca kicked off their Wimbledon 2025 campaigns with impressive wins on June 30, 2025, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, securing R$991,200 in combined prize money. Haddad defeated Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 2-0, while Fonseca triumphed 3-0 over Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, each earning 66,000 pounds (R$495,600). The tournament, offering a total of 53.5 million pounds (R$401 million), marks a 7% prize increase from 2024, with singles champions set to claim 3 million pounds (R$22.5 million). Both players advance to the second round, showcasing Brazil’s growing presence in tennis.

The victories highlight a strong start for Brazilian tennis on grass, with Fonseca becoming the youngest Brazilian to win at Wimbledon in the Open Era. The tournament’s prestige and hefty rewards draw global attention, with Haddad and Fonseca eyeing further progress.

  • Total prize pool: 53.5 million pounds (R$401 million).
  • First-round bonus: 66,000 pounds per player (R$495,600).
  • Fonseca’s milestone: Youngest Brazilian winner at Wimbledon since 1968.

Fans celebrated the performances online, praising the duo’s potential to climb the rankings and secure larger prizes in the iconic Grand Slam.

Brazilian breakthroughs on grass

Bia Haddad, Brazil’s top-ranked player, delivered a commanding performance against Rebecca Sramkova, winning 7/6 (7-4), 6/3. Her resilience in the tie-break and strong start in the second set marked her best grass-court showing of 2025. With US$993,000 (R$5.42 million) already earned this year, Haddad faces Russia’s Erika Andreeva next, aiming for 99,000 pounds (R$741,000) in the second round.

João Fonseca, an 18-year-old rising star, overpowered Jacob Fearnley with a 6/4, 6/3, 7/5 victory, serving 12 aces. His win made him the youngest Brazilian to claim a Wimbledon victory in the Open Era, a record not seen since Carlos Alcaraz’s feats. Fonseca, with US$700,000 (R$3.82 million) in 2025 earnings, takes on France’s Arthur Fils in the next round.

The contrasting styles—Haddad’s experience and Fonseca’s youthful aggression—signal a bright future for Brazilian tennis. Their performances underscore the country’s growing influence in a sport historically dominated by Europeans and Americans.

Prize structure breakdown

Wimbledon 2025 boasts a record-breaking prize pool of 53.5 million pounds, up 7% from 2024, covering singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and wheelchair categories. Singles players, both male and female, follow an identical payout scale, ensuring gender equity. The champion of each singles draw will earn 3 million pounds (R$22.5 million), while the runner-up secures 1.25 million pounds (R$9.35 million).

  • First round: 66,000 pounds (R$495,600).
  • Second round: 99,000 pounds (R$741,000).
  • Third round: 152,000 pounds (R$1.14 million).
  • Round of 16: 240,000 pounds (R$1.80 million).
  • Quarterfinals: 400,000 pounds (R$2.99 million).

Qualifying rounds offer 15,600 pounds (R$116,700) for the first round and 26,000 pounds (R$194,600) for the second. Doubles champions earn 650,000 pounds (R$4.86 million) per pair, with wheelchair and quad categories also receiving significant sums, reinforcing Wimbledon’s commitment to inclusivity.

Legacy of Wimbledon

Founded in 1877, Wimbledon is the world’s oldest tennis tournament and the only Grand Slam played on grass. Held at the All England Club, it is steeped in tradition, from all-white attire to the absence of on-court advertising. The Centre Court, with its retractable roof, remains a hallowed stage, hosting legends like Maria Esther Bueno, who won three singles titles (1959, 1960, 1964) and five doubles titles for Brazil.

Modern Brazilian stars like Bruno Soares, with men’s doubles (2016) and mixed doubles (2012, 2014) titles, have kept the country’s flag flying. Haddad and Fonseca’s 2025 performances add to this legacy, with Fonseca’s record-breaking win drawing comparisons to Gustavo Kuerten’s early career. The tournament’s unique atmosphere, including traditions like “Manic Monday” and “Middle Sunday” rest, continues to captivate players and fans.

Bia Haddad’s resurgence

At 29, Bia Haddad is hitting her stride after overcoming 2024 injuries. Her peak ranking of 10th in the WTA (2023) and US$5 million in career earnings reflect her consistency. Her 2025 Wimbledon debut showcased improved net play and mental toughness, key for grass-court success. Facing Erika Andreeva in the second round on July 2, Haddad is favored to advance, potentially meeting top seed Iga Swiatek in the third round.

Haddad’s preparation included grass-court tournaments like Eastbourne, where she honed her serve-and-volley game. Her 2023 Wimbledon run to the fourth round remains her best Grand Slam result, and she aims to match or surpass it in 2025. Her financial success, with over US$993,000 earned this year, supports her high-level training in Florianópolis.

João Fonseca’s meteoric rise

João Fonseca, at 18, is Brazil’s brightest tennis prospect since Gustavo Kuerten. His 2023 US Open junior title and rapid rise in the ATP rankings highlight his potential. Fonseca’s Wimbledon debut, marked by 85% first-serve points won and 12 aces, showed maturity beyond his years. Training under Juan Carlos Ferrero in Spain, he faces a tough test against Arthur Fils, a top-50 player, in the second round.

Fonseca’s US$700,000 in 2025 earnings could climb significantly with a deep Wimbledon run. A third-round appearance would net him 152,000 pounds (R$1.14 million), a major boost for his career. His aggressive baseline game and mental composure draw parallels to young Rafael Nadal, fueling excitement among Brazilian fans.

Other Brazilian contenders

Wimbledon 2025 features additional Brazilian talent. Thiago Monteiro battles Kei Nishikori in the first round, while Thiago Wild faces Alexei Popyrin. In doubles, Marcelo Melo and Rafael Matos compete with international partners, aiming for deep runs. Luisa Stefani, an Olympic medalist, participates in women’s and mixed doubles, with strong prospects for advancing.

This multi-player presence underscores Brazil’s depth in tennis, blending veterans and newcomers. While Haddad and Fonseca lead the headlines, Monteiro, Wild, and Stefani add to the country’s competitive edge, with potential to replicate past successes like Soares’ titles.

Financial stakes for players

Wimbledon’s prize money is among the highest in tennis, rivaling the US Open and Australian Open. The 53.5 million-pound pool, driven by sponsorships and TV rights, ensures substantial rewards even for early exits. A first-round loss yields 66,000 pounds, more than the total prize of many ATP 250 events. For Haddad and Fonseca, these funds support coaching, travel, and training, critical for sustaining professional careers.

The tournament’s equitable payouts for men and women, a practice since 2007, set a standard in sports. Wheelchair and quad categories also receive significant prizes, with quad singles champions earning 60,000 pounds (R$449,000), highlighting Wimbledon’s inclusivity.

Grass-court challenges

Grass courts demand unique skills, favoring powerful serves and quick volleys due to the surface’s speed. Haddad’s improved net play and Fonseca’s aggressive baseline game proved effective in their openers. The All England Club’s meticulously maintained courts, combined with unpredictable British weather, add complexity, with the retractable roof on Centre Court ensuring play continuity.

Brazilian players have historically struggled on grass, with Bueno as a notable exception. Haddad and Fonseca’s 2025 performances suggest a shift, with both adapting to the surface’s demands. Their success could inspire future Brazilian players to prioritize grass-court preparation.

Next steps in the tournament

Haddad’s second-round match against Andreeva is set for July 2, with a potential third-round clash against Swiatek looming. Fonseca faces Fils on the same day, a match pitting two young stars against each other. Both games will be broadcast live on SporTV and Star+, with real-time coverage on Globo Esporte’s website.

A deep run could see Haddad or Fonseca reach the round of 16, earning 240,000 pounds (R$1.80 million) each. Such progress would elevate Brazil’s tennis profile and provide financial momentum for the season. Fans are optimistic, with social media buzzing about the duo’s potential to make history in London.

Maria Clara é colaboradora da redação do Mix Vale, portal de notícias com cobertura de Brasil e mundo. Produz conteúdo nas editorias de economia e benefícios, com foco em informação de serviço para o leitor brasileiro. Escreve para o portal desde 2016: Formação: Atriz.

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