Kwon Soon-woo returns the ball to Spain's Martin Landaluce during their men's singles first round tennis match on the first day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, June 29. AFP-Yonhap
Kwon Soon-woo has marked his return to Wimbledon with an opening-round victory.
The South Korean defeated Martin Landaluce of Spain in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, to begin the men's singles competition at All England Lawn Tennis Club in London on Monday (local time).
Kwon, world No. 200, had to win three qualifying matches to get to the third Grand Slam tournament of the year. It was his first Wimbledon appearance since losing in the first round in 2024. Kwon's previous Wimbledon victory had come in the first round of the 2021 event.
Kwon once ranked as high as 52nd in the world but injuries have since derailed his career. He is currently fulfilling his military duty with the Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps.
