Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek are the Wimbledon singles’ favourites, Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina deemed their nearest challengers, but could a surprise be in store at SW19 this year?
Wimbledon has become increasingly elusive for those chasing a first-ever Grand Slam, particularly with Djokovic’s presence looming large in the men’s draw.
The Serbian, who is chasing a record-equalling 24th slam, has won the past four editions of Wimbledon, while in fact no player beyond Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal has lifted the trophy since Lleyton Hewitt in 2002.
That is the task that awaits Alcaraz and co, while in the women’s singles the draw remains as open as it has done since Serena Williams won her last of seven Wimbledon titles in 2016.
Since then, there have been five different winners, with Rybakina the reigning champion and Swiatek so far unable to translate her dominance elsewhere onto the grass.
Nevertheless, Swiatek is still being backed to come good on the surface, but names throughout the draw threaten to challenge the world No 1 and ensure her wait at Wimbledon goes on.
Here we list six players to look out for at Wimbledon, from the outside contenders to the rising stars, and a couple of 30-plus hopefuls too.
Outside contenders
Taylor Fritz
Taylor Fritz is the American No 1 and reached the Wimbledon quarters last year
First round vs Yannick Hanfmann | Possible fourth-round meeting vs Jannik Sinner
Arguably the best known among the men’s names listed here, Taylor Fritz dared to shush the crowd at the French Open and will hope to silence a few favourites when he gets to Wimbledon, too.
The American has the game to go far on grass, and came painfully close to reaching his first-ever Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon last year, denied in five by an embattled Rafael Nadal who would go on to withdraw before a last-four showdown with Nick Kyrgios.
This time, Fritz aims to go at least one better, but with a possible Djokovic semi-final meeting, the prospect of the 25-year-old reaching the final Sunday are slim.
Beatriz Haddad Maia
Beatriz Haddad Maia reached this year’s French Open semis
First round vs Yulia Putintseva | Possible fourth-round meeting vs Elena Rybakina
Form can change with the wind at this time of year, as Beatriz Haddad Maia proved recently having lost in the opening round of the Nottingham Open just days after reaching the French Open semi-finals.
Nevertheless, once the 27-year-old finds her feet on grass she is capable of challenging the very best, with titles in Nottingham and Birmingham to prove it from last year.
The Brazilian was unable to sustain that form come Wimbledon, but the player – who broke into the top 10 for the first time in June – is more than capable of reaching the second week of a slam for the second time in a row.
Young hopefuls
Sebastian Korda
Sebastian Korda beat Daniil Medvedev and Hubert Hurkacz at this year’s Australian Open
First round vs Jiri Vesely | Possible third-round meeting vs Cameron Norrie
Another American harbouring hopes of a deep Wimbledon run is Sebastian Korda, the No 22 seed who reached the fourth round in 2021 before a foot problem ruled him out of last year’s edition.
At 22, Korda is battling to stand out among an impressive young crop of players, and at 6ft 5ins, he has the serve-and-volley game that often bears fruit at Wimbledon.
This was also evident on the hard courts when beating Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open earlier this year, and following a clay-court season to forget, Korda showcased his potential when reaching the Queen’s semi-final, where he lost to eventual winner Alcaraz.
Marta Kostyuk
Marta Kostyuk, 20, won the Australian Open girls’ singles title in 2017
First round vs Maria Sakkari | Possible third-round meeting vs Madison Keys
Only three female players since 2010 have gone on to taste Grand Slam glory after winning a major as a junior: Ash Barty, Jelena Ostapenko and Swiatek.
Others have come close, including Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez, but success is far from guaranteed, with making the leap from the ‘next big thing’ to Grand Slam champion evidently no easy feat.
So step forward Marta Kostyuk, who was 15 when winning the Australian Open girls’ title in 2017 and now at 20 is looking to progress beyond the second round of Wimbledon for the first time. Having reached a career-high ranking of 35 in June, she is on the up, and the Ukrainian will be hoping that trajectory continues in London.
She will be tested immediately, however, against the No 8 seed Maria Sakkari, although there is the chance of an upset given the Greek has never progressed beyond the third round at Wimbledon.
The 30-plus club
Roberto Bautista Agut
Roberto Bautista Agut reached the Wimbledon semis in 2019
First round vs Roman Safiullin | Possible fourth-round meeting vs Casper Ruud
Instead of telling you all about a certain Sir Andrew Barron Murray, with the 36-year-old Brit hopeful of making the second week this year, a nod also to 35-year-old Roberto Bautista Agut, the tenacious Spaniard who boasts a better win percentage on grass than the other surfaces.
His first ATP title came on grass in 2014, and he went on to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2019, losing to eventual winner Djokovic – a fate that has befallen many.
A run as far as the semi-finals this time around may be beyond Bautista Agut, but with eyes elsewhere in the men’s draw, there is always an outside chance he could cause a few upsets – especially as he recently reached the Halle semi-finals.
Petra Kvitova
Petra Kvitova is a two-time Wimbledon champion and won the Miami Open earlier this year
First round vs Jasmine Paolini | Possible fourth-round meeting vs Ons Jabuer
Experiences goes a long way at Wimbledon, and two-time winner Petra Kvitova will hope her 2011 and 2014 triumphs can stand her in good stead when chasing a hat-trick this year.
As the oldest player in the top 16, the 33-year-old Czech remains a force to be reckoned with having won the Miami Open in March, while victory at Eastbourne in 2022 proves she can still cut it on grass.
A favourable draw would make No 9 seed Kvitova one to keep an eye on, especially in a tournament where the seeds can tumble left, right and centre. A possible fourth-round meeting against last year’s finalist Ons Jabuer is one to watch out for.