Wimbledon Shocker: Pegula Out! Empty Seats & Fan Fury Explained!
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Wimbledon 2025 is already proving to be full of surprises, both on and off the court. From unexpected upsets to questions about empty seats, here's a look at some of the biggest talking points.
Empty Seats at Wimbledon: Where Did Everyone Go?
Despite sold-out ballots, noticeable empty seats plagued both Centre Court and Court One during the opening days of the championships. Wimbledon operations manager Michelle Dine addressed the issue, attributing it to the extreme heat. Many attendees were reportedly seeking shade and water, leading to temporary absences from their seats. Dine emphasized the importance of staying hydrated during the event.
Adding to the issue, spectators can only move during changeovers, which occur every two games. This restriction, combined with the time needed to purchase food or drinks, can result in missing significant portions of matches. With play lasting up to 12 hours daily, some fans may also arrive late or leave early due to travel arrangements. Furthermore, a ticket to a show court grants access to outside courts, leading some fans to explore other matches.
Pegula's Wimbledon Exit Sparks Prayers and Concerns
World No. 3 Jessica Pegula suffered a stunning first-round defeat at the hands of Elisabetta Cocciaretto, losing 6-2, 6-3. This marks the third consecutive Grand Slam where Pegula has failed to reach the quarterfinals. While Pegula acknowledged Cocciaretto's exceptional performance, the loss has sparked concern among fans, particularly given Pegula's past experiences with online harassment.
After a fourth-round loss at the French Open, Pegula revealed receiving death threats from angry gamblers. She described the disturbing trend of bettors sending hateful messages, including threats against her family. Pegula questioned whether other sports experience similar levels of harassment, noting the prevalence of such abuse in tennis. While she attempts to manage the situation by limiting comments and blocking direct messages, concerns remain about potential further abuse following her Wimbledon exit.
Online Abuse: A Dark Side of Tennis
Pegula's experience highlights the dark side of online betting and its impact on athletes. The prevalence of abusive messages and threats directed towards tennis players raises serious concerns about player safety and well-being. The tennis community continues to grapple with ways to address this issue and protect players from online harassment.