Novak Djokovic is ready to lead the charge in preserving the legacy of Wimbledon’s golden generation as he faces the rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
However, the odds are against the seven-time champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles as the tournament kicks off on Monday.
Having recently had knee surgery, the 37-year-old Serb’s dominance in Grand Slam events has diminished in 2024.
He lost his Australian Open title to Sinner, who also claimed the world number one ranking.
At the French Open, Alcaraz took the crown after Djokovic had to withdraw due to a knee injury.
If Djokovic wins his eighth Wimbledon title, he will be the oldest champion of the modern era, tying with Roger Federer.
“I have a strong desire to play and compete,” said Djokovic, who will face 123rd-ranked Vit Kopriva in his first match.
With the absence of Federer, Nadal, and Murray, there is a shift happening in south-west London.
World number four Alexander Zverev predicts this year’s Wimbledon will be the most open in two decades.
This tournament might see a final without any of the ‘Big Four’ for the first time since 2002.
Alcaraz, at 21 and 16 years younger than Djokovic, has already won three major titles.
– ‘Big challenge’ –
He won the US Open in 2022, defeated Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2023, and recently beat Zverev at the French Open.
Alcaraz has a chance to achieve a rare French Open-Wimbledon double this season.
“It’s going to be a big challenge for me, but I’m ready,” said the Spaniard.
Sinner, 22, reached the Wimbledon semi-finals last year and won his first grass-court title at Halle this month.
He faces Yannick Hanfmann in his first match.
Meanwhile, Wimbledon will bid farewell to two-time champion Murray, who plans to retire after the Olympics.
While his participation in singles is uncertain, he will play doubles with his brother.
In the women’s event, world number one Iga Swiatek arrives on a 19-match win streak after winning the French Open.
Swiatek will face Sofia Kenin in the first round.
– Sabalenka ‘not 100%’ –
US Open champion Coco Gauff will aim to make her mark at Wimbledon after early exits in the past.
Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, is uncertain due to a shoulder injury.
Marketa Vondrousova won the women’s title last year and looks to defend it successfully.
