Top Contenders at This Year’s Wimbledon

Anticipation for this year’s Wimbledon tournament is already well underway, and not without a bang. Already there have been several big news stories concerning past champions. There have been reports that Rafael Nadal might have a difficult tournament, as the Spanish champion sustained injuries during a practice session. Another big story is that Andy Murray will return this year in the men’s doubles. Of course, what most people want to know is who will win the singles tournaments. Here’s a list of who we think will be the top contenders this year.

Roger Federer

Roger Federer holds the second most career wins in tennis history and has just won his 10th Halle Title, with many speculating that this momentum will give him a boost at Wimbledon. The Swiss player is no stranger to winning at Wimbledon with 8 titles to his name. Federer has never rested on his laurels, and winning this year would make him the first man to bag the Wimbledon Championship title nine times.

Credit: TennisTV

Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev has solidified his position as one of tennis’s top players. Both Djokovic and Nadal have hailed Zverev as a player to look out for. Zverev won last year’s ATP Finals against none other than Djokovic himself. Although only fifth in the rankings, the German tennis star could be the player to cause some major upsets during the tournament. He will certainly be one to watch out for this year.

Credit: ATP Tour

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic will be hoping to win back-to-back titles for the second time. He has already won the Australian Open this year beating Nadal in three sets. Currently the World Number 1, the ‘Wimbledon Tips’ by bwin Tennis puts him as the favourite to win the tournament for the fifth time in nine years. With Nadal not fully fit, only Federer looks like he could stand in the Serbian’s way. That is unless a player like Zverev can pull off another upset.

Credit: Australian Open TV

Ashleigh Barty

Australian Ashleigh Barty is currently ranked number 1 by the Women’s Tennis Association, making her a top contender at Wimbledon. Her ranking follows her victory at this year’s French Open against Markéta Vondroušová. Having just made her professional debut in 2016, she is on her way to becoming one of the top stars of women’s tennis. This is a testament to her incredible work ethic and meteoric rise. If she can lift the famous Venus Rosewater Dish she will cement her place as the best female player currently on the tour.

Credit: WTA 

Serena Williams

When you think of women’s tennis, you think of Serena Williams. The Florida-born athlete has constantly been redefining what makes a great tennis player, smashing all boundaries on her way to winning the most Open era Grand Slams. While Williams hasn’t been in her top form lately she is always a strong competitor. Having reached the final of last year’s Wimbledon, it would be foolish to count her out.

Credit: Australian Open TV

Naomi Osaka

Speaking of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka caught the world’s attention when she cinched last year’s US Open in an exciting (if not controversial) match against Williams. Like Barty, Osaka is coming off a major win with this year’s Australian Open title. Osaka held the WTA number one

spot before Barty, and was the first Asian player to do so. Fans are excited to see Osaka make a comeback at Wimbledon, holding out hopes for another memorable finish.

Credit: US Open Tennis Championships