Wimbledon 2024: Players to watch out for

Wimbledon 2024, the pinnacle of grass court tennis, kicked off yesterday (July 1) at the All-England Club, promising thrilling matches and intense rivalries. As the world’s top players converge on the iconic lawns, here are the standout contenders to keep an eye on:

Gentlemen’s Singles

Novak Djoković (World No 2):
A stalwart of Wimbledon, Djokovic enters as a formidable force with 24 Grand Slam titles to his name. After an epic 2023 final, he is hungry to reclaim the championship, showcasing his adaptability and mastery on grass courts.

Daniil Medvedev (World No 5):
Medvedev’s strategic prowess and counterpunching abilities make him a formidable opponent. Eager to overcome previous near-misses, he aims to showcase his resilience and reach new heights at Wimbledon.

Alexander Zverev (World No 4):
Recovering from past setbacks, Zverev’s recent form, highlighted by a runner-up finish at the French Open, positions him as a threat on grass. With renewed vigour, he seeks to make a breakthrough at Wimbledon this year.

Jannik Sinner (World No 1):
With a remarkable 19 consecutive victories to start the year, including a maiden Grand Slam triumph in Australia, Sinner arrives at Wimbledon in peak form. Known for his aggressive baseline play, he aims to build on his semi-final appearance last year and assert his dominance further on the grass.

Carlos Alcaraz (World No 3):
The rising star of men’s tennis, Alcaraz’s explosive rise includes two Grand Slam titles. His relentless style and powerful shots make him a serious contender, particularly on slower surfaces, as he eyes his first Wimbledon crown.

Ladies’ Singles

Jessica Pegula (World No 5):
Coming off an injury hiatus, Pegula’s aggressive style and recent success on grass set the stage for a compelling Wimbledon campaign. Her resilience and competitive spirit make her a player to watch closely.

Elena Rybakina (World No 4):

As the defending champion at Wimbledon, Rybakina combines experience with a powerful game. Despite health challenges, her past achievements and strong form in 2024 position her as a formidable force.

Iga Świątek (World No 1):
Dominating the WTA tour with two titles already in 2024, Swiatek aims to add a Wimbledon championship to her accolades. Her skill and determination mark her as a top contender in the quest for glory on the grass courts.

Coco Gauff (World No 2):
At just 20 years old, Gauff’s meteoric rise includes a Grand Slam victory at the US Open. While grass may pose challenges, her evolving game and tenacity promise an exciting journey deep into the tournament.

Indian Contenders

Rohan Bopanna
A stalwart in doubles, Rohan Bopanna returns to Wimbledon for the 14th time in pursuit of his maiden title on the prestigious lawns. Partnering with Australian Matthew Ebden, with whom he recently clinched the Australian Open crown, Bopanna brings experience and skill to his campaign, eyeing a deep run in the tournament.

Sriram Balaji
Sriram Balaji, appearing in his second Wimbledon main draw, teams up with local player Luke Johnson in men’s doubles. With solid performances earlier this year at the French Open and Australian Open, Balaji seeks to surpass previous achievements and advance further in the doubles draw. 

Yuki Bhambri
Yuki Bhambri, making his second Wimbledon appearance, pairs with France’s Albano Olivetti in men’s doubles. Determined to leave a lasting impression, Bhambri looks to leverage his experience and skill on the grass courts to make strides in the competition.

Sumit Nagal
India’s top-ranked men’s singles player enters Wimbledon 2024 riding a wave of recent successes. Following his qualification for the Paris Olympics and a title win at the ATP Challenger in Heilbronn, Germany, Nagal has earned his first main draw appearance at Wimbledon. Paired with Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic in men’s doubles, Nagal aims to demonstrate his prowess and make an impact on the international stage.