The 2025 Wimbledon Championships kick off with an exciting first-round clash on Monday, June 30, as Jacob Fearnley, one of the top British tennis players, faces Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca on the grass courts in London.
A very tough draw for the first round as both are among the best unseeded players here. This matchup promises a battle between Fearnley’s momentum and home advantage and Fonsecas hard-hitting style. Here’s a look at their form, head-to-head and what to expect, with our prediction and a few betting tips.
Player Form
Jacob Fearnley (World No. 51) has been playing good tennis for most parts of the season, riding a strong grass-court season. He reached the quarterfinals at Queen’s, but lost already in the second round in Eastbourne vs Marcos Giron in a poor performance. The 23-year-old Brit usually thrives on home support and has shown he can handle the big stages. More on Fearnley’s racquet and gear.
Joao Fonseca (World No. 57) is making his Wimbledon main-draw debut. The sometimes over-hyped, 18-year-old, Brazilian had a good start to 2025 but cooled off recently, going 1-2 on grass this season. Fonseca’s aggressive baseline game is dangerous, though his grass-court experience is limited. Read our profile of Fonseca and his current racquet.
Head-to-Head
Fonseca leads 2-0, both wins coming in 2025 on hard courts. He beat Fearnley 6-3, 6-3 at the Canberra Challenger in January and 6-2, 1-6, 6-3 at Indian Wells in March in their only meeting on the ATP tour. This is their first grass-court meeting though.
Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Fearnley +170 (2.70) | Fonseca -200 (1.49)
- Game Spread: Fearnley +3.5 (-120/1.85) | Fonseca -2.5 (-110/1.89)
- Total Games: Over 39.5 (-125/1.80) | Under 39.5 (-106/1.94)
Odds from BetOnline, where new users can get some free bets up to $250.
Odds from 20Bet, where new users can get some free bets with promo code TENNISNERD.
Prediction and Best Bets
Fonseca is finding some form again and looked good on grass recently, his power from the backcourt is a threat to most players. Maybe the dip in form earlier this season has cooled off some of the high expectations on this young talent.
Fearnley is starting to look like a really solid player around the top 50 in the world. Will he use the home advantage or feel the pressure as the no 2 hope for Britain? His first serve will be important on Monday.
The tennis bookmakers keep the Brazilian as clear favorite but we think it’s more of a coin flip to be honest and nerves might play a role here. The Brit’s confidence on a grass court might be enough and we think he can at least cover the hcp for this first round match that should be one of the more entertaining of Monday’s clashes.
Best Bets:
Set Handicap Fearnley (+1.5) at 1.86 or -120
Over 39.5 games (-125/1.80). Their hard-court matches were tight, and Fearnley’s grass-court edge should lead to a long, high-game-count battle.
