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Topics: Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Serena Williams
James Grimditch
Topics: Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Serena Williams
So the end of June somehow rolls around again and the British summer is well and truly up and running which can only mean one thing; Murray Mound, strawberries and cream and Pimms in the sun - yes it’s time for Wimbledon again.
This year is set to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, as Emma Raducanu competes for the first time since her US Open triumph, Barty’s retirement has thrown the women’s singles wide open and controversial new rules has stripped SW19 of any ranking points.
So how can you make sure you don’t miss a second of this summer’s action?
The BBC once again has the rights for this year’s tournament, channel hopping between BBC One and Two, but with comprehensive online coverage for those who fancy watching the minor games. This year does mark Sue Barker’s last year anchoring the coverage, however, as the veteran is set to step down at the end of this year’s tournament.
The first round of Wimbledon starts on Monday, 27th June at 11am, with Tommy Paul and Fernando Verdasco the first up. It promises to be an exciting year in south west London.
Novak Djokovic enters the Grand Slam as the favourite, dominating grass courts in the past few years - although Rafael Nadal is in great form having won two Grand Slams already this year. Of course the elephant in the room is the ever-increasing age of these two giants of the sport, as the 35 and 36 year olds respectively will have to hold off an increasingly strong younger generation to bring home the trophy this year.
On the women’s side, the shock retirement of 2021 champion Ashleigh Barty has sent shockwaves through the competition. The Australian is a remarkable athlete, briefly taking a hiatus from tennis several years ago to play cricket in the women’s Big Bash league in Australia, and teasing fans with a potential golf career since her retirement.
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With no Barty and Serena Williams having not played since pulling out of Wimbledon last year, eyes will turn to current world number 1 Iga Swiatek who is currently on a 35 game unbeaten streak, which includes her run to the French Open crown.