Wimbledon looks unusually open this year, and Novak Djokovic may be the biggest beneficiary. With Carlos Alcaraz absent, the seven-time champion has a clearer path than usual as he chases a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic has not won at the All England Club since 2022, but his record there still makes him the player everyone else has to measure against. He is one of only three singles players to have won more than 100 matches at Wimbledon, a reminder of how much history he already owns on the grass.
Sinner arrives as the man to beat
Jannik Sinner comes in as the runaway world number one and has lost only three times all season. Physical issues in Paris showed he is not untouchable, but his season-long dominance and strong grass-court form make him a major threat again.
There is also a familiar voice in his corner. Darren Cahill had been considering his position around this time last year, and the pair are back together for another title push after Cahill told the world No. 1 he could decide his fate if he won Wimbledon.
The chasing pack has reasons to believe
Alexander Zverev finally ended his wait for a Grand Slam title at Roland-Garros, yet Wimbledon remains a tougher puzzle for him because he has never gone beyond the fourth round there. Ben Shelton is trending in the right direction on grass after winning the Stuttgart ATP 250 title, while Taylor Fritz is rebuilding after an injury layoff following his run to last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals.
Great Britain’s Jack Draper is also working back toward full fitness after pulling out of Queen’s to delay his comeback. He is being supported by interim coach and two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, adding another layer to Britain’s hopes.
Alcaraz headlines a notable list of absentees alongside Lorenzo Musetti, Holger Rune and Valentin Vacherot. Their absence shifts even more attention onto the players still standing, and it makes the men’s draw feel wide open before the tournament gets fully underway.
What to watch as Wimbledon begins
The title race now sits between proven champions, in-form contenders and players trying to turn strong seasons into a breakthrough on grass. Djokovic’s experience, Sinner’s consistency and the missing names at the top of the draw are setting up a tournament that could change quickly.
