All British Hopes End in Wimbledon Singles – Here’s What We Learned

Analysis by Naomi Broady | BBC Sport

With all 23 British players now eliminated from the Wimbledon singles draws, it’s time to reflect on their performances and what they can take away from this year’s tournament.

As a former player, I know first-hand the unique pressure that comes with playing at Wimbledon. For many British players, it’s the moment the nation tunes in, and that spotlight can feel immense. Here’s a look at how five of Britain’s top names fared – and what’s next for them.

Jack Draper – Grass Promise Still a Work in Progress

Result: Second-round loss to 2017 finalist Marin Cilic
What we saw: Draper came in with real momentum and was rightfully seen as a contender. Ranked world number four and armed with a powerful left-handed game, he had all the tools – just not the ideal draw. Facing someone like Cilic, with such a dangerous serve on grass, was a brutal early test.

Takeaway: While Draper’s season has soared – highlighted by titles in Indian Wells (hard) and a clay-court final in Madrid – his game still needs refinement on grass. He showed promising aggression at Queen’s and looked more confident taking the ball early. With more time, he can develop into a genuine grass-court threat.

Emma Raducanu – Top 10 Form Returns

Result: Third-round loss to world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka
What we saw: Raducanu played some of her best tennis since her 2021 US Open triumph. After beating defending champion Marketa Vondrousova, she pushed Sabalenka in what many felt was a match worthy of a final.

Takeaway: Raducanu proved she still belongs among the elite. Sabalenka said she expects Emma back in the top 10 soon – and that wasn’t just crowd-pleasing talk. In the locker room, players know how dangerous Raducanu’s clean, powerful game is. If she maintains this level, she’ll climb fast.

Katie Boulter – Shock Exit But Room to Grow

Result: Second-round loss to qualifier Solana Sierra
What we saw: After a great opening win over ninth seed Paula Badosa, Boulter stumbled against Sierra – a confident qualifier riding momentum. It was a classic “banana skin” match, and unfortunately, she slipped.

Takeaway: Grass remains Boulter’s best surface. Her movement and mindset have improved significantly. She’s growing into her ranking and no longer plays like someone unsure if she belongs. A deeper Slam run – possibly on US hard courts – feels within reach. But as always, the draw matters.

Sonay Kartal – Breakout Performance and Fan Favourite

Result: Fourth-round loss to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
What we saw: Kartal’s run was one of Wimbledon’s surprise stories. Ranked outside the top 250 last year, she’s now poised to break into the top 50. Her spin-heavy game, though more suited to clay, translated beautifully to grass.

Takeaway: Kartal is progressing fast. Like players such as Jabeur or Paolini, she uses variety and spin to great effect. Her adaptability is a strength, and if she stays ahead of opponents learning her game, she has the potential to climb much higher in the rankings.

Cameron Norrie – Back on Track

Result: Quarter-final exit to defending champion Carlos Alcaraz
What we saw: After a tough spell of form, Norrie showed serious resilience by sticking with his team and rebuilding his confidence. His run to the last eight was a strong statement that he still belongs at the top level.

Takeaway: Norrie’s mental toughness and physical reliability have always been his trademarks. Now, with his shot confidence returning, he’s poised to rise again. Hard courts remain his best surface – as shown in his Indian Wells win – and this Wimbledon run could launch him into a strong second half of the season.

As the British contingent shifts focus to the rest of the tour, there’s plenty to be encouraged by. Some found form, others gained experience – and for a few, the best may still be yet to come.

Naomi Broady spoke with BBC Sport’s Jonathan Jurejko at Wimbledon.

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