Alizé Cornet's 18-Year Wimbledon Journey Culminates in Qualifying

ROEHAMPTON, London — In a poignant culmination of nearly two decades in professional tennis, Alizé Cornet returned to the Wimbledon qualifying grounds where her journey began. After her debut in 2007, the French player faced her final qualifying match on June 26, 2025, marking a bittersweet chapter in her athletic career that has spanned 18 years.

Wimbledon, known for its rich history and prestige in the world of tennis, hosts its qualifying matches four kilometers from the All England Club at Roehampton. This venue, characterized by its community sports center ambiance and 256-player draw, often evokes mixed feelings among competitors, some perceiving it as a mere precursor to the grandeur of the main event. Cornet, now 35, reflected on her early days, stating, "I was 17. I remember beating [Monica] Niculescu, because she was a pain in the ass to play. I was so happy to beat her. Then I lost to [Olga] Govortsova, a very good grass-court player. But I remember the moment they told me I was a lucky loser. I was first or second and I was so excited to be part of my first main draw in Wimbledon."

In March 2025, Cornet announced her return to the sport after a brief retirement that followed her farewell at Roland Garros the previous year. "The main reason I came back was to play one more time on grass," she explained after a victory over Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva in the second round of qualifying. Her return was marked not just by the desire to compete but by a longing to rediscover the joy she felt in the sport. "What I missed the most was the adrenaline — but having fun in this adrenaline. I've found the balance. I have it now, and I didn't have it before. Now that I have it again, I feel I'm 100% in my goals."

Cornet, who holds a remarkable record for competing in 69 consecutive Grand Slam main draws, approached her final qualifying round with humility and a passion for the game. "I love the game, and I don't care if I play it in a $25,000 somewhere in the ass of the world, or if I play it in Wimbledon on Centre Court," she stated. Unfortunately, her journey concluded with a defeat to her younger compatriot, Elsa Jacquemot, with a score of 7-5, 6-1, effectively ending her hopes for a main-draw farewell.

Reflecting on her career, Cornet expressed gratitude for her experiences, stating, "It's now, it's here in qualies. This would be the actual perfect ending. Here." As she moves forward, the legacy of Alizé Cornet will undoubtedly resonate within the tennis community, as her story serves as an inspiration for future generations of athletes. Her commitment to the sport, alongside her literary pursuits, assures that her narrative will continue to unfold, even beyond the tennis courts of Wimbledon.