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Wimbledon 2025: Holmgren, late bloom of a rough diamond

At 27, August Holmgren is making a name for himself with a stunning debut run at Wimbledon 2025.

August Holmgren / Deuxième tour, Wimbledon 2025©Marleen Fouchier / Orange Pictures / DPPI via AFP
 - Marion Theissen

He stepped into the press room last Thursday looking hesitant, almost as if he wasn’t quite sure he belonged there. August Holmgren, reserved and a little awkward with the exercise, sank into his chair, hands tucked under his thighs, seeming as though he might struggle to find his words. But within moments, he found his rhythm - speaking fluent English - as though he was just beginning to realise the magnitude of the moment he was living.

Once he opened up, his nerves melted away, replaced by the bright smile of a young man brimming with warmth and joy - his blonde curls bouncing with every nod of the head. The shyness was gone, replaced by something else: someone genuinely enjoying the ride. The exact same feeling he exudes when on court.

A Run to Remember

Holmgren has emerged as one of the unexpected stories of this year’s Championships - one of just two qualifiers still in the men’s draw, alongside Nicolas Jarry, who advanced to the fourth round yesterday after defeating teenage sensation Joao Fonseca.

Asked what he thinks he’s doing here, Holmgren answered with calm humility.

"There’s always fine margins in tennis and the best players in the world are where they are because they can maintain that high level for the entire year. I’ve been able to maintain a very high level for two weeks now. So, I guess that’s why I’m able to compete at this level right now."

And what a level it’s been! After coming through the qualifying rounds in Roehampton, the Dane - ranked 192 in the world at the start of the tournament - has earned every win the hard way. In his first-round match against France’s Quentin Halys (7-6(4), 6-3, 6-4), he secured a first-ever ATP main draw victory. Then came an epic second-round thriller against Tomas Machac (7-6(5), 6-7(8), 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5)), in which he saved three match points - just like he did during the last qualies game, against Yosuke Watanuki.

When reminded of that moment, his eyes widened. "Was it three match points I had to save? Jesus!"

The room burst out laughing. Then, suddenly, the memory clicked.

"Oh yes, I remember now! In the moment, I knew it was match points, I remember distinctly. I kind of shaked my backhand a little bit and thought it was just done. And then, all of the sudden, it hits the very corner. I thought it was over, I thought: ok, I'm on my way to the net and thank you very much!"

Another anecdote to add to the collection of this already unique player. After that emotional win, he collapsed into the arms of his parents, - a moment shared with the red-and-white Danish fans who’ve followed him since qualifying. A lot of happiness and emotion that cross a threshold for the 27 years old: he now officially plays in a new league.

Finding Balance Between Theatre and Tennis

If he’s so expressive when telling stories, explaining tricky points or sharing his opinion, it may be thanks to the years he spent not just training, but studying theatre. From 2017 to 2022, he pursued a degree in theatre art and performance at the University of San Diego, California.

A man of many talents, Holmgren says he needs passions beyond tennis to maintain balance.

"I think the most valuable thing I got from college was understanding that I need to have a balance with tennis and life off the court. To make sure I was happy off the court, because I needed that in order to be happy on the court, he said. Often in my life when I have some disruption, in my personal life, it reflects on my tennis. If I don’t do my hobbies and only focus on tennis, it has a negative impact on me."

He doesn’t get much time to act these days, but credits his theatre training with helping him stay grounded: "it helps to stay present, and in the moment, and to challenge myself to explore inconfortable situations."

And then, there’s the shot that sets him apart: his beautifully precise one-handed backhand.

“I’ve had it since I was six years old,” he told the press. "I had a coach who tried to change it when I was 6 or 7. And I refused and then he put me to the side of the court and said: ok, now you can just swing in the air if you want. He didn’t let me hit balls and it was like that for about a week or something. But I’ve always stayed with my one-handed.”

It’s a signature weapon he’ll need in full force this Saturday when he takes on 11th seed Alex De Minaur. The Danish underdog will be aiming for a third straight Tour-level win - and a spot in the second week of Wimbledon - against last year’s quarter-finalist.

It’s the kind of matchup that captures the beauty of Grand Slam tennis: a clash between experience and discovery, polish and rawness — a rough diamond, gleaming under pressure.