Wimbledon is the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world and after a couple of years of weird COVID-19 situations, it will be nice to see fans back in their seats. The tournament has gotten underway and we’ve seen a few surprises already. If you’re betting on this fortnight of action, here are the favorites and longshots in the running.
Men’s Contenders at Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic (-175) is currently the favorite on the men’s side and that’s no surprise. He’s only won one title on the year, that being back in the Italian Open but he’s absolutely dominated this event. He’s won the last three Wimbledons and five of the last seven.
Next in line is Rafael Nadal (+400). Nadal is a two-time Wimbledon champion and has more than enough experience to crash through the competition again this year. He had to fight through a tough injury at the French Open along with a stress fracture in his ribs. If he’s at his best, he’ll be a serious threat to Djokovic.
Outside of the top two, there are some question marks about who else can contend. Russian Daniil Medvedev was not allowed to enter but he would have been among the favorites. Carlos Alcaraz (+1400) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (+1600) are in the mix but both are better on clay.
If Djokovic is at his best, nobody will stop him.
Women’s Contenders at Wimbledon
The first favorite on the women’s side is Iga Swiatek (+135), who recently won the French Open. Swiatek has won all six of his recent tournaments and enters on an incredible 35-match winning streak. Her record on grass isn’t the best but she’s the star of the sport right now. She’s going to have to improve her game on grass if she wants to win Wimbledon this year.
Ons Jabeur (+550) is next in line. She’s won 30 out of her last 39 matches throughout the season and even won the Madrid Open. This time last year, Jabeur competed in Wimbledon and was unfortunately taken out in the quarterfinals. She’s got solid experience in her career and a chip on her shoulder to bounce back better than her last run.
Many people had hoped that Serena Williams would be able to make a triumphant return to the grass but she has already been bounced out of the tournament. She used to be the person to beat on the lady’s side but she’s fallen off significantly since.
Coco Gauff (+1100) is a fast-rising star who’ll be looking to make some noise. Despite being just 18 years old, she’s already looking like an incredible candidate to win this tournament at some point. Gauff showed her talent during the French Open, finishing as the runner-up to Swiatek, and has won 10 out of her last 14 grass matches on top of that.
The path to a Wimbledon victory might be incredibly tough, but if her recent matches were any indication, Gauff has more than enough in her arsenal to win this one.