Major Court Upsets This Season
- Kgopotso Msimanga

- Oct 17, 2025
- 3 min read
The 2025 tennis season has been nothing short of electrifying, with unexpected twists and turns that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. From early-round shocks to stunning Grand Slam exits, here's a roundup of the most jaw-dropping upsets that have defined the year so far.

Coco Gauff's Wimbledon Heartbreak
Fresh off her French Open triumph, Coco Gauff entered Wimbledon as a heavy favorite. However, in a stunning first-round exit, she was defeated by Dayana Yastremska, a player ranked well outside the top 50. This unexpected loss was part of a broader trend at SW19, where a record 23 seeds—13 men and 10 women—were ousted in the opening round, marking the most in any Grand Slam since the 32-seed era began in 2001. (Roland-Garros)
Jessica Pegula's Early Exit
Another American hopeful, Jessica Pegula, also faced an early exit at Wimbledon. Despite being seeded, she was knocked out in the first round, contributing to the unprecedented number of seeded players eliminated early in the tournament. (SI)
Stefanos Tsitsipas Falls to Alex Michelsen
In a surprising turn at the Australian Open, 18-year-old American Alex Michelsen defeated 2023 finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. This victory marked Michelsen's first Top 20 win at a major, signaling the rise of a new star in men's tennis.
Emma Raducanu's Season Ends Early
Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu concluded her 2025 season prematurely due to health issues. After a first-round loss in Ningbo, where she received treatment for a back problem, Raducanu withdrew from her final events in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Despite the setbacks, she had a strong season, including a quarter-final run at the Miami Open and 28 match wins. (Reuters)
Amanda Anisimova Upsets Iga Świątek at the US Open
In one of the most talked-about matches of the US Open, Amanda Anisimova avenged her Wimbledon final loss by defeating World No. 2 Iga Świątek in straight sets. This victory was a significant milestone in Anisimova's career, showcasing her resilience and skill on the big stage. (US Open)
Botic van de Zandschulp Shocks Carlos Alcaraz
In a stunning upset at the US Open, Botic van de Zandschulp defeated World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the opening round. This marked one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, as Alcaraz had been in exceptional form leading up to the event. (UBITENNIS)
Terence Atmane's Cincinnati Triumph
French qualifier Terence Atmane pulled off a remarkable upset at the Cincinnati Masters by defeating No. 15 seed Flavio Cobolli in a tight three-set match. Atmane's victory was a testament to his potential and determination, earning him a spot in the third round of the prestigious tournament.
Laura Siegemund's Near-Defeat of Aryna Sabalenka
At Wimbledon, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced a formidable challenge from veteran Laura Siegemund in the quarterfinals. Siegemund took the first set and had Sabalenka on the ropes, but the Belarusian managed to rally and secure a hard-fought victory. Sabalenka credited Siegemund for playing a "smart game," highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of the match.
Jannik Sinner's Near Miss at Roland Garros
In a dramatic French Open final, Jannik Sinner held three match points against Carlos Alcaraz but ultimately fell short in a five-set thriller. Despite the loss, Sinner's performance was a testament to his resilience and skill, and he would go on to capture his first Wimbledon title later in the season. (UBITENNIS)
Novak Djokovic's Early Exit at the US Open
In a surprising turn of events, Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the early rounds of the US Open. Despite being a favorite, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm, leading to an unexpected early exit from the tournament. (US Open)
These upsets have added an extra layer of excitement to the 2025 tennis season, proving that in tennis, anything can happen. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes that continue to shape the landscape of the sport.
































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