Fri Jul 04 14:10:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Keys Battles Heat and Ailing Opponent to Advance at Wimbledon; Paolini Overcomes Sevastova**

**WIMBLEDON, England –** American Madison Keys overcame scorching heat and a resilient, yet visibly struggling, Elena-Gabriela Ruse to win her first-round match at Wimbledon on Monday. The sixth seed battled her way to a 6-7 (4), 7-5, 7-5 victory in a grueling encounter that saw Ruse collapse with cramps.

“Really tough match,” Keys acknowledged courtside, wiping sweat from her brow. “She played really well, obviously she was suffering a few issues as it was quite toasty out here. My serve got me through that match.”

Ruse’s strong start saw her take the first set. As the 90-degree heat intensified, Ruse began to suffer, calling for a medical timeout in the second set. Despite treatment, she later collapsed on court with a leg cramp. While Ruse managed to level the set, Keys ultimately rallied, winning four consecutive games to take the second set and gain momentum.

Keys will next face Serbia’s Olga Danilovic.

In other action, No. 4 seed Jasmine Paolini, the 2024 French Open runner-up, fought back to defeat Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Sevastova, returning to Wimbledon after a hiatus due to maternity leave and injury, initially capitalized on Paolini’s errors. However, Paolini regained composure and seized control as Sevastova began to tire, eventually securing the win.

British player Katie Boulter delighted the home crowd by defeating No. 9 seed Paula Badosa 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 on Centre Court. Naomi Osaka of Japan also advanced, overcoming a tough challenge from Australia’s Talia Gibson 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Several other seeded players advanced, including Amanda Anisimova and Ashlyn Krueger from the U.S., as well as No. 12 Diana Shnaider, No. 14 Elina Svitolina, No. 21 Beatriz Haddad Maia, No. 22 Donna Vekic, No. 29 Leylah Fernandez and No. 30 Linda Noskova.

Upsets marked the day as well, with No. 20 Jelena Ostapenko and American McCartney Kessler (No. 32) among the seeded players falling in the first round.

Coco Gauff, fresh off her second major title, is scheduled to play Dayana Yastremska on Centre Court on Tuesday.

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