History Made: Lina Gjorcheska Becomes First Macedonian at Wimbledon

Lina Gjorcheska has etched her name into history, becoming the first Macedonian tennis player — male or female — to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament.

On June 25, 2026, in London, Lina Gjorcheska wrote the most beautiful page in the history of Macedonian tennis. By defeating Italy's Lucia Bronzetti in the third and final qualifying round of Wimbledon, she became the first tennis player from Macedonia — man or woman — to secure a place in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament.

6–1, 6–2

Gjorcheska def. Bronzetti (ITA, WTA #127) · 1h 15min · Wimbledon Q3

A Tennis Clinic

What was expected to be a tough battle against the higher-ranked Italian turned into a dominant display of power and precision. Gjorcheska (WTA #223) controlled every aspect of the match from start to finish — her serves were sharp, her returns aggressive, and her composure under pressure was remarkable. She took the first set 6–1, then continued in the same vein to close out the match 6–2, claiming her historic place at Wimbledon in just 75 minutes.

The Tetovo-born player had come close to this milestone before — in 2017 at the Australian Open, she was stopped in the final qualifying round. Nine years later, at Wimbledon, she finally crossed the finish line.

"I am proud and happy for all these days at Wimbledon. I come from a small country and I am proud to be the only one in history — in both men's and women's tennis — who has fought for a place at the main tournament." — Lina Gjorcheska, post-match interview, Wimbledon TV

The Road to the Main Draw

Gjorcheska's journey through qualifying was anything but easy. She defeated Fita Boluda (Spain) in the first round, then overcame Francisca Jorge (Portugal) in a grueling three-set battle — 5–7, 6–2, 6–1 — that lasted over two hours. The final against Bronzetti was her masterpiece.

📋 Wimbledon 2026 Qualifying Results — Gjorcheska:
Q1: def. Boluda (ESP) ✅
Q2: def. Jorge (POR) 5–7, 6–2, 6–1 ✅
Q3: def. Bronzetti (ITA) 6–1, 6–2 ✅ → MAIN DRAW

What This Means

By reaching the main draw, Gjorcheska has already secured $100,000 in prize money — a significant reward for years of dedication. More importantly, she carries the Macedonian flag onto the most famous tennis courts in the world, at the All England Club in London.

Her first-round opponent will be determined by the draw on Friday morning. Whoever she faces, Lina Gjorcheska steps onto the grass courts of Wimbledon as a piece of history — and as proof that great things can come from small countries.

MKNews Hub · Sport · 26 June 2026