As I write this, everyone who is anyone in the tennis world has recently enjoyed the finales of the French Open. The Tournament Roland-Garros ran from May 26 to June 9, this year with tennis fans across the world tuning in for this annual clay court spectacle, which saw many underdog stories and early upsets for seasoned regulars.
Meanwhile, in a certain London suburb, crews work overtime to prepare the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet (AELTC) courts for their turn in the spotlight. The schedule reveals qualifying matches starting on June 26, with the draw taking place four days later. The Championship begins on July 1
As of this writing, Wimbledon's webpage has not yet posted the tournament's entry list. Thus, like many other tennis fandom sites, we speculate on:
- possible Wimbledon contenders
- which past champions might grace the courts this year
- new-ish tennis talent making the Wimbledon scene
- players of unknown quantity who might surprise us
Top Players to Watch Out for in Wimbledon 2024
Wimbledon players are, by definition, the elites of the tennis world. The Wimbledon leg of the Grand Slam tour is the oldest and most prestigious tennis event. Any player who makes the cut - who qualifies to play on these courts, is already at top tennis player.
Still, we must distinguish between established Wimbledon legends and those currently making their name in tennis. This article's next chapter will list all the names you remember. This chapter reminds you of Wimbledon contestants in the process of building their legacies.
Jannik Sinner
Born: August 16, 2001, Italy
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 2023 - semi-finals
Jannik entered the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Circuit in 2016, turning pro just under two years later. The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) must have sensed his potential; a series of wild cards afforded him entry into second-tier tournaments.
This year seems to be Jannik's year. So far, he achieved his 200th win as the top-seeded player at the Rotterdam Open. He's faced off against Carlos Alcatraz (lost the match) and Novak Djokovic, whom he defeated at the Australian Open. Jannik may face both players on the Wimbledon courts.
Ons Jabeur
Born: August 28, 1994, Tunisia
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 2022, 2023 - Finals
Ons began her Junior career just as she turned 13, turning pro at 16 years of age. However, Ons made her Women's Association Tennis (WTA) debut when she was 14, winning her first title in 2010.
Ons has two Wimbledon Women's Finals to her name. However, this year's Wimbledon outlook is murky for her. She didn't fare well at the Australian Open. Still, a #6 world ranking doesn't come without on-court successes; Ons may yet pull off her Wimbledon win.
Daniil Medvedev
Born: February 11, 1996, Russia
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 2023 - Semifinals
As a child, Daniil preferred swimming to tennis, but soon gave up aquatic sports. He played his first match when he was 13, finding success on the Junior circuit. Daniil turned pro in his 18th year, earning his first ATP win just two years later.
Medvedev keeps racking up tournament wins but, so far, falls short of clinching the finals every time. His game is even and he specialises in wearing his opponents out. He may be the least dramatic - and tallest of all Wimbledon contestants. Still, even Novak Djokovic describes him as a 'complete player'.
Zheng Qinwen
Born: October 8, 2002, China
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 2023 - 1st Round
Zheng Qinwen started playing tennis when she was seven years old. It didn't take long for her parents to realise her talents; they moved twice to assure their daughter the best coaches and facilities. At 19, Qinwen made her WTA debut.
Zheng Qinwen won her first Grand Slam final at the 2024 Australian Open, just three years after turning pro. She entered that tournament as the WTA's Most Improved Player (2023). Will she make history at Wimbledon?
Past Champions Returning to Wimbledon
These Wimbledon contenders are known quantities. They've dazzled tennis fans around the world, on all types of court surfaces. They're mainstay Wimbledon contestants, returning for another win.
Novak Djokovic
Born: May 22, 1987, Serbia
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 7 (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
Last year's surprise upset at the Wimbledon Men's final saw Carlos Alcaraz claim his first Wimbledon title. His victory broke Novak's four-year Wimbledon winning streak. Djokovic shook off the blow and is ready to triumph on Centre Court again. Provided no water bottles cosh him, of course.
Andy Murray
Born: May 15, 1987, Scotland
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 2 (2013, 2016)
This year's Wimbledon countdown must be bittersweet for Andy Murray fans. Rumours abound that this tournament is a stop on his tennis farewell tour. Persistent hip problems, coupled with the ankle injury he suffered in March, give this talk credence. Still, Andy has the drive and determination to carry on; he may yet thrill us once more.
Carlos Alcaraz
Born: May 5, 2003, Spain
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 1 (2023)
For Carlos, things are moving very fast. He made his ATP debut in 2020 and has been racking up titles and wins ever since. He currently stands at #1 in the ranks and, just a few weeks into the season, looks set to defend his place. He's fast and versatile, rising to the challenge on all court surfaces.
Dark Horses and Rising Stars in the Wimbledon Lineup
Tennis enthusiasts grieved the passing of an era when Serena Williams and Roger Federer retired in 2022. That's fair enough; those court magicians delivered more than their fair share of tennis thrills.
However, their departures had an enticing silver lining. They made way for up-and-coming tennis talent, such as these players.
Iga ?wi?tek
Born: May 31, 2001, Poland
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 1 (2023 - QF)
Like Carlos, Iga's rise has been phenomenal. This #1-ranked player dominates the WTA circuit, but even before turning pro (in 2016), she claimed titles. To wit, she won a Junior Grand Slam Singles title at Wimbledon (in 2018).
So far in 2024, Iga's win record stands at 90.5%. She's racked up four title wins, and is currently dazzling at the French Open. Clay is her best surface, so she may claim that trophy for the fourth time in a row. Iga is heavily favoured to show well at the Wimbledon Women's Final, too.
Emma Raducanu
Born: November 13, 2002, Canada
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 1 (2021 - 4th round)
Emma is the first Open Era qualifier to win any major Singles title (US Open, 2021). Even more astonishing: she did it just three years after turning pro. And, more amazing yet: she didn't concede a set along the way. Serena Williams was the last to accomplish that feat, back in 2014.
Despite that brilliant start, Emma's career has suffered a lot of setbacks. Her 2023 season was plagued with illness and injury. She endured surgery on three of her limbs and spent much of the year recovering. However, she's back for the 2024 season and raring to go head-to-head with top Wimbledon contestants.
Cam Norrie
Born: August 23, 1995, South Africa
Plays: Left-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 1 (2021 - 3rd round)
You might have noted that most of these players' cards state they all play right-handed. For Cam, his left-handed game - and his playing style, give him the advantage. He has a height advantage, too. Though not quite as tall as Medvedev, his 1.88 metre frame gives him extra reach.
Cam first came on the radar by defeating tennis great Rafael Nadal (2023 United Cup). A month later, he reclaimed victory from top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, who had defeated him the week before.
Just last month, he recorded his 200th career win (2024 Barcelona Open). Be sure to check the tournament schedule and date so you don't miss him playing the Wimbledon Men's Final.
Coco Gauff
Born: March 13, 2004, USA
Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Wimbledon Title(s): 2 (2019, 2021 - 4th round)
At just 20 years old - and only six years into her professional career, Coco has already amassed seven WTA Tour Singles titles. She earned her first Grand Slam win (US Open) last year and is ready for more.
Grass is not her best surface but Coco still has a lot of time to add those skills to her already impressive toolkit. As the world third-ranked Singles player, it will be a treat to see her triumph at the Wimbledon Women's final.
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