With Wimbledon nearly upon us, lets take a look at some of the women who may well take the championship by storm and be crowned Wimbledon Champion.
Much like with the gentlemen’s side of the tournament, the women’s side will also see the return of Russian and Belarusian players to Wimbledon.
But unlike the gentlemen’s draw, it appears that the ladies’ draw will see far more players benefit from this new ruling. Aryna Sabalenka, along with a number of top Belarusian and Russian players, will be making their returns to Wimbledon this year, and will be hoping to make a big splash when they take to the green grass of Wimbledon.
As with the Gentlemen’s piece, any players I believe to be particularly note-worthy with be marked with an *.
The Favourites
Iga Swiatek 3/1
Fresh off the back of her third Roland Garros title, Iga Swiatek has once again staked her claim as the dominant force in women’s tennis in the build up to Wimbledon.
Despite being the world number one, Swiatek has always shown a weakness on grass, having never made it past the fourth round at Wimbledon. Many believed that her clay court style didn’t mould well with the faster grass courts, but after an impressive run to the semi-finals of the Hamburg Open, people have started to believe that the change is possible.
After this impressive result, Swiatek has catapulted herself to favourite for the tournament. Whilst she has shown improvement on the surface, I do believe that some of the other players that will be present may be too strong for her on grass.
Elena Rybakina 11/2
Wimbledon’s 2022 champion has taken the tennis world by storm over the last twelve months. With another Grand Slam final and a host of WTA tournaments under her belt, Rybakina has well and truly solidified herself as one of the best grass court players in women’s tennis.
Rybakina’s naturally tall frame and big hitting ability give her a huge advantage on the lightning quick grass of Wimbledon, and she will be a firm favourite to retain her title.
The main issue for Rybakina will be the lack of tennis she has played in preparation for the tournament. Rybakina had to pull out of Roland Garros with illness, and since then has only played one tournament, where she lost in the Round of 16 to Donna Vekic.
2017 was the last time somebody defended the ladies’ title at Wimbledon, will Rybakina break the seven-year wait?
Aryna Sabalenka* 6/1
After being banned from Wimbledon last year, along with all the other Russian and Belarusian players, Sabalenka returns to Wimbledon hoping to go a few steps further than she did in 2021, where she made the semi-finals.
Sabalenka moves very well around the court, and hits the ball flatter and harder than Swiatek, meaning she will need less time to load up into her shot and strike through the ball.
I believe that after her omission last year, Sabalenka may well feel that she has a point to prove. Her power and movement, as well as her form so far this year, suggest to me that she will have a very successful Wimbledon.
Petra Kvitova 13/1
The two-time Wimbledon champion has re-entered the public consciousness at just the right time before Wimbledon. Kvitova hasn’t gone past the fourth round of a Grand Slam since 2020 and hasn’t won a grand slam for nearly ten years, but after her recent victory in Berlin it seems the book makers believe she may well mount a title charge.
In her prime Kvitova was one of the best grass court players of recent years, but despite an upturn in form, I believe that a title charge may be too much for the former champion.
Coco Gauff* 16/1
Many people will fondly remember Coco Gauff’s entry into the tennis mainstream, when at the age of 15 she defeated Venus Williams at Wimbledon. Four years on, Gauff has developed into one of the best players on the WTA tour.
Gauff is equipped across all areas, and possesses one of the best back-hands on the tour. Thanks to the large amount of doubles she plays with Jessica Pegula, she is also one of the best volleyers in the game.
Gauff has all the weapons to be a fantastic grass court player, and has what it takes to go all the way at Wimbledon this year; I fully expect her to mount a strong charge for the title.
Other players to keep an eye out for
Ons Jabeur 18/1
Last year’s finalist, Ons Jabeur has shown all the potential to be a Grand Slam champion. Unfortunately for Jabeur, her form this year has not mirrored that of last year.
Her control of speed and spin will make her a dangerous player on grass, but I believe that, overall, her lack of form will see her fall just short.
Madison Keys* 40/1
Despite having only made the quarter-finals on one occasion at Wimbledon, Madison Keys has always possessed the potential to succeed on grass. One of the biggest hitters on the tour, Keys’ forehand is amongst the best in the sport and, if it is firing, will make her a nightmare for anyone she plays.
Keys recently won the Birmingham Open without dropping a set and is looking in good form. If she can take this into Wimbledon, then she could be one to watch.
Ekaterina Alexandrova* 40/1
Another player set to benefit from the lifting of the ban, Alexandrova has had a fantastic start to her grass court season. The Russian world #21, won the Hertogenbosch Open before reaching the semi-finals in Berlin.
She has probably had one of the best grass court seasons on the tour so far and may well produce a solid run at Wimbledon.
Katie Boulter 200/1
With the absence of Emma Raducanu, British fans could turn their attention towards the talents of Katie Boulter for this year’s Wimbledon.
Boulter had a career-high performance when she triumphed at Nottingham last month. During her run to the title, Boulter proved that she possesses all the weapons to mount a potential charge at Wimbledon.
The British #1 is no stranger to the big stage either, making the third round of last year’s tournament. Boulter will be quietly confident that she can string together some results and produce a deep run at Wimbledon.
Get your Wimbledon Tickets now!
To see Katie Boulter and all these other amazing players fight for the title at Wimbledon, then make sure to get yourself tickets for the Wimbledon Championships from Wimbledon Debenture Tickets.
Make sure to check out our other pieces including What it takes to Win Wimbledon and The Best Wimbledon Finals of all time.
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