Wimbledon’s opening day wasn’t just about the tennis—it was also about the stars in the stands.
Fans flocked to SW19 for the start of one of the most iconic events in the sporting calendar, but it was two famous faces who stole the spotlight: David Beckham and Maria Sharapova.
Beckham Jets in from Atlanta After Inter Miami’s Exit
David Beckham pulled off a whirlwind trip across the Atlantic to make it to Wimbledon in time.
Just hours earlier, he had been in Atlanta, where he watched his Inter Miami side bow out of the Club World Cup following a loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the disappointment—and the long flight—Beckham arrived in London full of energy.
He didn’t waste any time getting into the Wimbledon spirit, snapping a sunny selfie with Sharapova on the iconic Henman Hill, flashing a big smile like the jet lag never happened.
Wrist Surgery Can’t Keep Beckham Down
The trip was especially impressive considering Beckham, 50, had only just come out of hospital.
Last week, he underwent surgery to remove a screw from his wrist—an old injury dating back over two decades to his England playing days.
He was spotted on Sunday arriving at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, his right arm in a blue sling and cast.
But by Monday at Wimbledon, he was suited up in a sharp navy ensemble, looking relaxed and cheerful despite the recovery.
Royal Box Reunion with Sharapova
Once on the grounds, Beckham caught up with longtime friend and former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova.
The two shared an easy chat and some laughs before heading into the Royal Box, where Beckham was seated next to his mum, Sandra.
Sharapova, no stranger to high society events, has long had ties with the Beckham family.
She’s often been seen supporting Victoria Beckham at fashion shows over the years, and her appearance at Wimbledon alongside David felt like a natural reunion.
Beckham Says He’s “All Good” After Surgery
Speaking to sports platform DAZN on Sunday evening, Beckham assured fans that he was feeling fine.
“It’s fine,” he said about his wrist. “It was an old injury that needed surgery but it’s all good.”
His laid-back attitude reflected the kind of calm resilience fans have always loved him for.
The Queue Chaos for Regular Fans
While Beckham and Sharapova breezed through with their Royal Box access, regular tennis fans had a very different experience on Day One.
The legendary Wimbledon Queue was back in full force, with some fans lining up from the early hours just to secure a spot inside the grounds.
For those who didn’t rise with the sun, things were far less hopeful.
By midday, Wimbledon officials had issued a warning on their website advising people not to bother traveling unless they had tickets in hand.
“The Queue for Day 1 is very busy,” the statement read.
“To avoid disappointment we strongly advise you not to travel to the Grounds today.”
Temperatures and Tempers Rising
To make matters worse, temperatures were rising throughout the day, making the long waits even more uncomfortable.
Those without tickets were told they could be waiting several hours just to get in—if they were lucky.
So while Beckham and Sharapova sipped drinks and caught up in comfort, many fans were battling the heat, the crowds, and the uncertainty of getting a glimpse of the action at all.