BÅSTAD JULY 7–20 - 2025

Lucia Bronzetti

Linea Bajraliu Falls to Lucia Bronzetti in Båstad

Linea Bajraliu Falls to Lucia Bronzetti in Båstad

Lucia Bronzetti

Sweden’s final representative in the singles draw, Linea Bajraliu, has exited the main draw of the WTA tournament in Båstad following a straight-sets defeat to tournament favorite Lucia Bronzetti. The match took place Tuesday on Center Court, where the young Swedish talent faced the toughest challenge of her career so far.

Bajraliu, who usually competes on the lower-tier ITF circuit, had received one of four wild cards granted for the women’s tournament. Her WTA main draw debut proved to be a difficult one, as she was drawn against the top seed Bronzetti – the world No. 64 from Italy, who reached the final of a WTA 250 event earlier this year.

The Italian showcased her experience and class from the start, cruising to a 6–2, 6–2 victory. With the win, Bronzetti advances to the next round where she will face Germany’s Jule Niemeier, who impressed in her opening match by defeating Nao Hibino in straight sets.

Despite the loss, Bajraliu gained valuable experience competing at the highest level – something she acknowledged could be crucial for her future development during the post-match press conference.

Striking study by photographer Johan Lilja.