Novak Djokovic is set to lead the charge at Wimbledon against a new crop of stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, aiming to protect the legacy of the tournament’s golden era.
However, the seven-time champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles faces tough odds as the tournament kicks off on Monday.
Arriving in London after knee surgery, the 37-year-old Serb’s dominance in Grand Slams has waned in 2024.
Sinner took over as Australian Open champion and world number one after Djokovic’s reign, and Alcaraz claimed the French Open title from him.
If Djokovic manages to win an eighth Wimbledon title, he would become the oldest champion in the modern era, tying Roger Federer’s record.
“I have a strong desire to compete and play,” Djokovic stated before his opening match against Vit Kopriva from the Czech Republic.
With the absence of Federer, Nadal, and Murray in this year’s tournament, there is a noticeable shift in the atmosphere at Wimbledon.
This year’s tournament is predicted to be the most open in 20 years by Germany’s Alexander Zverev.
It is likely that the men’s final on July 14 will not include any of the ‘Big Four’ for the first time since 2002.
Alcaraz, at 21, is already a three-time major winner and is set to face Mark Lajal of Estonia in the opening Centre Court match.
– ‘Big challenge’ –
Sinner, 22, will also be looking to make his mark at Wimbledon after winning his first grass-court title this month. He faces Yannick Hanfmann in his first match.
Wimbledon will bid farewell to two-time champion Andy Murray as he plans to retire after the Olympics.
Ranked 115 in the world, Murray has undergone multiple surgeries and injuries but still aims to compete one more time at Wimbledon.
In the women’s event, Iga Swiatek arrives on a 19-match win streak, fresh from her fourth French Open title.
Swiatek faces Sofia Kenin in the first round, while Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka will also be looking to make their mark.
With a shoulder injury, Sabalenka’s participation is uncertain, and Vondrousova will aim to defend her title from last year.
