As tennis returns to Wimbledon after a gap of two years, we’ve put together a list of ten players who we think can grab the headlines.
1. Novak Djokovic
Well, we couldn’t really leave him out, could we? A winner in four of the last six Wimbledon, the World No. 1 goes into the tournament as a favourite.
Having already won the Australian and French Opens this year, Djokovic will try his luck at Wimbledon to continue his search for the ‘calendar slam’.
2. Ashleigh Barty
Going into the tournament as top seed, Barty will have her task cut out. After withdrawal from her second round match at Roland Garros due to an injury, Barty will be looking for a strong return.
Although her best result at Wimbledon has been the fourth round, Barty has a good record on the grass and will be hoping to live up to that top-seed billing.
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3. Andy Murray
The Former World No. 1 and two-time Wimbledon champion returned to competitive matches for the first time since March this year when he took part in the recently concluded Queen’s Club Championship.
Over the last few years, Murray has been plagued by numerous injuries that have either affected his performance or barred him from competing. After not being able to compete since March, Murray opted out of the French Open too in order to recover and focus on Wimbledon. It will be interesting to see how the Brit features.
4. Roger Federer
If this list was made pre-2018, having Federer on a ‘Players to watch out for’ list would be a cardinal sin. Federer has dominated the sport for almost 20 years and is regarded as one of the greatest to have ever played the sport, if not the greatest. But age has caught up with the maestro too, and the past couple of years have been hard on the Swiss. With his body no longer being in the shape as it used to be years ago, Federer has already pulled out of the Australian and French Opens this year citing knee issues.
But having taken time off, he will probably look to make it count, especially as he continues his search for that elusive 21st Grand Slam title. A finalist at the last edition and an eight time winner, only a fool would bet against Roger Federer at Wimbledon.
5. Simona Halep
The defending champion (having won the last Wimbledon in 2019), Halep will be going into the 2021 Wimbledon hoping to replicate her 2019 campaign.
Having been ailed by injuries that saw her withdraw from the French Open, the Romanian will be looking forward to improve her grass record and secure a second title.
6. Iga ?wi?tek
The 20-year-old already has a Wimbledon title, having bagged the 2018 Wimbledon girls’ championship. ?wi?tek grabbed all the headlines in 2020 when she became the youngest singles champion at Roland Garros.
Although the young Pole stated she isn’t confident of her performance on grass, if she adapts quickly, she might have a major shot at causing some upsets.
7. Marin ?ili?
Having finally taken his first ATP title in June this year, Marin ?ili?, who is a former runner-up at Wimbledon, will fancy his chances going into the tournament.
?ili?’s superior grass record speaks volumes. With a 75-30 stat, he is sure to have a strong tournament. With the likes of Nadal and Thiem pulling out, he’d back himself to go deep and get his second Grand Slam title. His recent win at Stuttgart will boost his confidence and remind the world of his grass prowess.
8. Serena Williams
With 23 career titles, it would be hard to argue whether Serena Williams is the greatest of all time or not. Like Federer, Williams at her peak would be a no-brainer pick for one of the tournaments favourites. But mow, she is in the twilight of her career, and form hasn’t been with her over the last 12 months.
The 2021 Wimbledon could be Williams’ last bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title. She heads into The Championships after a quiet Australian Open and French Open; if this would be her final visit to Wimbledon, one would expect Williams to go out on a high.
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9. Matteo Berrettini
Coming off a victorious Queen’s Club campaign, the Italian would look to carry on that great form into Wimbledon. Berrettini’s game is perfectly suited to grass, and having reached the fourth round at Wimbledon previously in 2019, his recent performance at Queen’s shows the Italian is ready to go the full distance.
10. Stefanos Tsitsipas
Coming off a brilliant French Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas is surely fancying his chances at Wimbledon.
Preferring to play on grass, the Greek calls Wimbledon his favourite tournament. Along with his recent major tournament form and the fact that championship contenders like Nadal and Thiem have withdrawn, Tsitsipas will aim to make the most of this opportunity to secure his first major title.
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