Wimbledon 2024: Who are the favorites and the surprises?
After an exciting Roland Garros, the tennis world prepares for Wimbledon, where Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz, recent champions in Paris, will seek to consolidate their dominance. Alcaraz, two-time defending champion at the All England Club, could become the fifth man in the Open era to achieve a “three-peat”. Or will Jannik Sinner, after his defeat in the French Open final, seek his first Grand Slam title on grass? In the women’s draw, the competition is fierce. Gauff, with two major titles, has yet to surpass the fourth round at Wimbledon. With eight different champions in the last eight years, the women’s tournament promises surprises. Will Aryna Sabalenka be able to obtain her first title at Wimbledon? Or will Iga Swiatek, recovering from a difficult year, claim the crown? In addition, the focus is on Novak Djokovic, will the Serbian be able to get his 25th Grand Slam title, breaking records?The Experts’ Analysis
How will Gauff perform after her title at the French Open?Despite her promising debut six years ago, Gauff has never advanced beyond the fourth round. Furthermore, she faces a difficult draw, with potential matches against Dayana Yastremska, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin, Liudmila Samsonova, and Iga Swiatek or Elena Rybakina. Although Gauff could win, it seems unlikely that she will obtain her third major title in this tournament. Gauff is at a point where it wouldn’t be a surprise if she won any tournament. But her draw has many obstacles, and she only has a 9-6 record on grass in the last two years. Connelly points out that Gauff could face difficulties in a draw with high-level opponents and her history on grass. Even with the promising debut six years ago, Gauff has a 7-9 record against top 50 players on grass, including three consecutive losses. To reach the quarterfinals, she might have to beat three top 50 players, which seems like a difficult challenge.Gauff arrives at Wimbledon, where she has been very loved since her appearance in 2019, with confidence and belief in herself, and could achieve her best result in the tournament. However, it will not be easy.
D’Arcy Maine
Cambers suggests that Gauff could be influenced by the confidence of winning at the French Open, but could also be mentally exhausted. If Gauff manages to serve well, she will have opportunities, thanks to her mobility and competitiveness. However, her draw is complicated, with possible difficult matches. If Gauff reaches the second week, she will be difficult to beat.This could go two ways. Either Gauff arrives at Wimbledon feeling she can do anything, buoyed by the confidence of winning at Roland Garros, or she will be mentally exhausted and lose early.
Simon Cambers
Maine points out that Alcaraz seems to be Sinner’s “kryptonite,” and since Alcaraz is the defending Wimbledon champion and is coming off winning another title on grass at the Queen’s Club, the odds favor Alcaraz.At this moment, I’m leaning towards Alcaraz. He has won eight of his 12 encounters, including the last five. Sinner hasn’t beaten Alcaraz on any surface since 2023 and has only defeated him once in a final.
D’Arcy Maine
Connelly points out that Alcaraz is the favorite due to his experience on grass, although Sinner could be improving. The French Open final was very close, and if Sinner had won a key point, he could have had the opportunity for a “Calendar Slam”.Alcaraz is the favorite, both because he is more proven on grass and because Sinner might have to overcome Djokovic on Djokovic’s favorite surface and Sinner’s worst.
Bill Connelly
Cambers mentions that everything will depend on how Sinner overcomes what happened in Paris. Alcaraz, after demonstrating his ability at Queen’s, will improve as the tournament progresses. If they face each other, Alcaraz would have a mental advantage due to what happened in Paris.Alcaraz has the pedigree on grass, having won the title in the last two years, although Sinner won their only previous encounter on this surface, at Wimbledon 2022.
Simon Cambers
Maine believes Wimbledon is Djokovic’s best opportunity due to his success and experience on grass. However, his path to the final could be difficult, with Jack Draper and Sinner as possible opponents. A victory could set up a rematch with Alcaraz.Can he? Yes. Will he? I’m not so sure. But I think Wimbledon is his best chance to claim the elusive number 25 title.
D’Arcy Maine
Connelly believes that Wimbledon is the place where it could happen, and he was impressed by Djokovic’s form at Roland Garros. On grass, Djokovic could find an additional advantage.Considering that Alcaraz seems to have overcome him on grass, and considering that he will probably have to beat both Sinner and Alcaraz, it seems like a lot to ask, yes.
Bill Connelly
Cambers highlights that the motivation will be high at Wimbledon and that a victory would give him Slam number 25 and equal Roger Federer in eight Wimbledon titles. However, he would have to beat Sinner, Alcaraz and Draper, which is a difficult challenge.It’s his best opportunity, that’s for sure. I think Djokovic played very well against Sinner in the semi-finals in Paris, but on that surface, with that extra second for Sinner to load up his big groundstrokes, it just wasn’t possible for Djokovic, not at 38 years old.
Simon Cambers
Which player could surprise in the next two weeks?
Maine also mentions Alexandra Eala, who reached the final in Eastbourne, and could surprise Barbora Krejcikova.There are quite a few discreet players capable of delivering big surprises and making deep runs. Marketa Vondrousova, who won the title two years ago, is not seeded. She could face Sabalenka in the third round.
D’Arcy Maine
Connelly highlights Gabriel Diallo as a possible surprise in the men’s draw and Naomi Osaka in the women’s.In the men’s bracket, my eyes immediately go to Zverev’s quarter, the quarter with the most potential to produce a surprise run.
Bill Connelly
Cambers bets on Berrettini as a surprise, if he manages to avoid injuries.I’m going to say Berrettini. If he can stay away from another injury, he’s in Zverev’s section, a winnable match for him, which could propel him to the quarter-finals.
Simon Cambers
Cambers also highlights the match between Kenin and Townsend as very interesting.I am also looking forward to the battle between Fonseca and Fearnley. Both men have risen in the rankings in the last year, and Fearnley’s excellent attitude is taking him very far.
Simon Cambers
Maine highlights Kvitova’s match against Emma Navarro, and the Fonseca-Fearnley clash.I feel like there are a lot of important first-round matchups. The Eala-Krejcikova match is still a must-see for me, but it’s hard not to highlight what could be Petra Kvitova’s last match at Wimbledon.
D’Arcy Maine
