Rain in London disrupted the start of Wimbledon’s second round, delaying the match between Brazilian João Fonseca and American Jenson Brooksby by 1 hour and 30 minutes, originally scheduled for 7:00 AM (Brasília time) on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. The game, set to be one of the first on the third day of the main draw, is now slated to begin at 8:30 AM on Court 12, a smaller venue in the tournament. The Wimbledon organization covered the courts with tarps to protect the grass, while the schedule for other players, like Bia Haddad, also faced delays. The weather, common in the English capital, posed logistical challenges but did not cancel the matches. Fonseca, a rising star in Brazilian tennis, aims to advance after a strong debut.
The delay reflects London’s unpredictable weather, a recurring issue at Wimbledon. The match, valid for the second round, pits Fonseca, ranked 54th in the world, against Brooksby, currently 101st but once 33rd. The organization adjusted the schedule twice, extending the start time to ensure a safe playing surface.
- Delay factors: Light but persistent rain covered London since early morning.
- Court impact: The grass, sensitive to moisture, was protected by tarps at 7:00 AM.
- Schedule changes: Other matches, including Bia Haddad’s, were also postponed.
- Weather forecast: Rain is expected to ease, allowing matches to resume.
The wait for the showdown keeps expectations high, as both players come off strong first-round wins.
London’s weather and Wimbledon’s challenges
Unstable weather is a constant at Wimbledon, especially in early July. The rain, though not heavy, required covering all outdoor courts, including Court 12, where Fonseca and Brooksby will play. The tarps were removed at 7:40 AM, but the organization maintained the 8:30 AM start to ensure optimal conditions.
The grass, Wimbledon’s signature surface, is highly sensitive to moisture, making the delay necessary to prevent damage. In past years, frequent rains caused significant disruptions, like in 2007, when the tournament faced daily interruptions. Retractable roofs on Centre Court and Court 1 mitigate the issue, but smaller courts like Fonseca’s rely on manual adjustments.
Other Brazilian players were also affected. Bia Haddad, playing on Court 15, had her match postponed to after noon, originally set for 10:30 AM. The organization is working to reorganize the schedule, prioritizing the tournament’s integrity.
João Fonseca’s tournament journey
At 18, João Fonseca is one of tennis’s rising stars. His Wimbledon debut on Monday featured a commanding win over British player Jacob Fearnley, ranked 51st, in straight sets (6/4, 6/1, 7/6). The result made him the youngest player to win at the tournament since Carlos Alcaraz in 2021, cementing his status as a promising talent.
The Rio native, currently 54th in the world, arrived at Wimbledon after a solid grass-court season. In Eastbourne, he secured his first grass win before falling to Taylor Fritz, world number 5. His grass experience and debut confidence position Fonseca favorably against Brooksby.
- Debut performance: Fonseca dominated Fearnley with 15 consecutive points in the second set.
- Record against Brits: He holds a 3-0 record against Fearnley, including wins in Canberra and Indian Wells.
- Preparation: The Brazilian trained intensely to adapt to grass, a faster surface.
The match against Brooksby will be their first encounter, heightening anticipation for a tight contest.
Jenson Brooksby’s profile
Jenson Brooksby, 24, is an experienced opponent despite his current 101st ranking. The American once reached 33rd in the world but faced a steep drop after nearly two years sidelined by suspensions and injuries. In his comeback, he showed resilience, reaching the Eastbourne ATP final, losing to Taylor Fritz, and defeating Tallon Griekspoor, the 31st seed, in Wimbledon’s first round (6/2, 7/5, 6/3).
Brooksby revealed in December 2024 that he was diagnosed with severe autism spectrum disorder as a child. The condition makes him sensitive to external noise during matches, but he has developed coping strategies. His story of perseverance has garnered support in the tennis community, bolstering his image as a determined player.
Delay’s impact on players’ strategy
The rain delay could influence both players’ performance. For Fonseca, the pause offers a chance to refine tactics against Brooksby’s aggressive baseline game. The Brazilian, who relies on powerful shots and quick movement, must stay focused after the forced break.
Brooksby, having endured long periods of inactivity, may use the delay to strengthen his mental preparation. The grass, though drier after tarp removal, may remain slippery, requiring caution in the opening games. Coaches for both players will likely emphasize stability in early movements.
Wimbledon’s rain history
Wimbledon has long grappled with unstable weather. Since its inception in 1877, the tournament has faced numerous rain delays, especially on outdoor courts. Retractable roofs installed on Centre Court (2009) and Court 1 (2019) reduced disruptions for top matches, but other courts still depend on favorable weather.
In 2023, persistent rains forced dozens of matches to be rescheduled, frustrating players and fans. The 2025 edition, despite advanced technology, couldn’t escape London’s weather patterns. Forecasts for the coming days suggest improvement, but scattered showers may still alter the schedule.
- Protective measures: Tarps cover courts in minutes, preserving the grass.
- Retractable roofs: Only Centre Court and Court 1 have fixed coverage.
- Adaptations: Matches may be relocated to covered courts in extreme cases.
Where to watch the match
The Fonseca vs. Brooksby match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 (cable TV) and Disney+ (streaming). Coverage begins at 7:00 AM, but due to the delay, fans should follow real-time updates. The match, set to start at 8:30 AM, is expected to draw Brazilian fans, especially after Fonseca’s standout debut.
The broadcast includes tactical analysis and commentary on the players’ performances, spotlighting Fonseca’s rise in the professional circuit. For online viewers, sports portals offer minute-by-minute coverage.
Match expectations
The Fonseca-Brooksby duel is one of the second round’s most anticipated, fueled by both players’ comeback narratives. Fonseca, with his youth and energy, faces an opponent blending experience and resilience. Court 12, smaller and with less crowd pressure, may favor the Brazilian, who showed composure against a local player in his debut.
Brooksby, meanwhile, leans on his consistency and recent grass adaptation. His win over Griekspoor signals a return to form, making the match unpredictable. Experts suggest mental balance will be key, as the rain delay could affect focus.
Other Brazilians in action
Besides Fonseca, Bia Haddad represents Brazil at Wimbledon. Her match on Court 15 faced a similar delay and is now set for after noon. The São Paulo native, a top-20 women’s player, faces an opponent yet to be confirmed but is favored due to her Grand Slam experience. The presence of two Brazilians in the second round highlights the growth of Brazilian tennis.
Haddad, a former Wimbledon round-of-16 player, aims to go further in 2025. Her grass preparation included rigorous training, and she expressed confidence on social media. Brazilian fans are closely following, hoping for strong results.
Prizes and ranking at stake
A second-round win guarantees Fonseca at least £99,000 (about R$741,000), already secured from his debut. Advancing to the third round would add £53,000 (R$400,000) and crucial ATP ranking points. The Brazilian, who climbed to 47th in the Live Ranking, could solidify a top-50 spot with a strong run.
Brooksby aims to regain ranking positions after his long hiatus. A win over Fonseca could push him closer to the top 80. The financial rewards and ranking points make the match pivotal for both.
