It also promises to be a year when a new generation of players mix in with the old in pursuit of the £50 million ($63 million) prize money that is on offer.
Of the old guard, Serena Williams is no longer in contention, and neither is Rafael Nadal. There is also uncertainty over whether local hero Andy Murray will be playing following his retirement due to injury from the Queen’s Club Championships, the traditional precursor to Wimbledon.
But there are plenty of other hopefuls who are ranking high in the tennis odds as potential champions for 2024.
For so long the triumvirate of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Nadal have dominated the Grand Slams. But now the game has opened up to several others who have to be in with a very good chance.
Carlos Alcaraz
For many tennis fans, Alcaraz is seen as the natural successor to Nadal. He has already shown his mastery on grass which reached its zenith in last year’s men’s final against Djokovic. In a thrilling five set marathon he showed grit and determination that belied his years. He has already claimed the French Open title in 2024 and his arm injury seems to be behind him. So, he really is the one to beat.
Jannik Sinner
Still only 22, the Italian Sinner has already amassed well over $20 million in tournament prize money. His meteoric rise has led him to becoming the current world No 1. His first Grand Slam title came in January 2024 when he won the Australian Open against Daniil Medvedev, coming back from two sets down to claim victory. Last year he was a semi-finalist at Wimbledon so he’s no slouch on grass – he’ll also be looking to get revenge on Alcaraz for beating him in this year’s Roland-Garros semi-final.
Daniil Medvedev
Standing at 6’6”, Medvedev is one of the tallest players on the circuit and, on his day, one of the most devastating to compete against. That said, he is yet to show the real consistency that marks out a true champion as he has been in no less than six Grand Slam finals and won only one of them – the US Open in 2021. But there is a real feeling that the new order taking shape in the men’s game could mean that his time to shine has finally arrived.
Novak Djokovic
Finally, a quick word about the seven-time Wimbledon champion who is always there or thereabouts in the tennis odds. It’s uncertain at what level he’ll be able to compete following the surgery he underwent in May for a torn meniscus in his knee sustained at Roland-Garros
But if the rehab has him in good enough shape for what could well be one of his last appearances at Wimbledon, he’s certainly a good bet.
While there are a few strong contenders in the men’s event, the ladies’ singles is even more wide open. The tennis odds say three players stand above the rest of the draw, but with the withdrawal of Aryna Sabalenka on Monday, there’s an opening for a number of players to make a run.
Iga Świątek
Anyone who witnessed the Polish player, and world No 1 at this year’s Roland-Garros will appreciate why she’s in the mix for a Wimbledon title. Claiming the title in Paris for the fourth time in five years she reinforced her reputation as a bagel-master. Like all great players, she reacts to pressure by raising her game and is on a constant journey of self-improvement. Her one weakness may be on grass as she’s never progressed beyond the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. But it would be foolish to write her off.
Coco Gauff
For a 20-year-old it seems like Coco Gauff has been on the scene for a very long time. That’s because she’s been competing in Grand Slams for the last five seasons. Her first championship victory came in last year’s US Open and she has been a semi-finalist in both of this year’s slams to date in Australia and France. Like Świątek, grass isn’t her most comfortable surface, but she is probably just waiting to prove us all wrong.
Elena Rybakina
Winner of Wimbledon in 2022, Elena Rybakina stands as a strong title contender to claim her second Grand Slam at SW19 this July. The Kazakh is a grass court specialist, with her hard, flat serve thriving on the fast-bouncing grass of London. She’s had her ups and downs form-wise the past two years, but is a solid contender when it comes to Wimbledon 2024.
Naomi Osaka
Finally, a word about Naomi Osaka. Returning to pro tennis after having a baby she was the only player to take a set off Świątek in this year’s Roland-Garros. At one stage she was even within a point of victory before the Pole fought back. So, she is another one to watch.
All in all, it promises to be a fascinating and absorbing championships. Not to mention one that could see two completely new names appear on the famous trophies.
