Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKatie Swan became the first British player to win at Wimbledon this year, defeating Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu to advance to the second round on Tuesday. The 27-year-old's victory is particularly significant as she has battled back from a career-threatening back injury that led her to consider retirement and even take up coaching in Kansas. Swan underwent "excruciating" rehabilitation after seeking alternative treatment in Arizona, returning to tennis in April 2025 with no ranking and subsequently winning multiple titles on the World Tennis Tour. Her resilience was recognised with a Wimbledon wildcard, marking her first appearance at the Championships in three years, which she described as deeply meaningful. As the world No 196 and British No 6, Swan is now the sole home player through to the second round thus far following a difficult start for other British competitors, and will face an American opponent next. In fullKatie Swan almost quit tennis – she’s now Britain’s first Wimbledon winnerThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Who is Katie Swan? British star dazzles at Wimbledon after injury nightmare
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleKatie Swan became the first British player to win at Wimbledon this year, defeating Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu to advance to the second round on Tuesday. The 27-year-old's victory is particularly significant as she has battled back from a career-threatening back injury that led her to consider retirement and even take up coaching in Kansas. Swan underwent "excruciating" rehabilitation after seeking alternative treatment in Arizona, returning to tennis in April 2025 with no ranking and subsequently winning multiple titles on the World Tennis Tour. Her resilience was recognised with a Wimbledon wildcard, marking her first appearance at the Championships in three years, which she described as deeply meaningful. As the world No 196 and British No 6, Swan is now the sole home player through to the second round thus far following a difficult start for other British competitors, and will face an American opponent next. In fullKatie Swan almost quit tennis – she’s now Britain’s first Wimbledon winnerThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
