Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Swiatek lead the charge into Wimbledon 2025, but none can take success for granted. The fine margins that define Grand Slam tennis have rarely been clearer than during the recent French Open, where Alcaraz produced a historic comeback to deny Sinner the title. Although Sinner remains world No 1 and has enjoyed an exceptional year, Alcaraz enters Wimbledon as the man to beat, buoyed by momentum and an impressive grass-court record. With four titles on the surface and 25 wins from his past 26 grass matches, he is aiming to become only the fifth man in the Open era to claim three successive Wimbledon crowns.
Sinner, meanwhile, must rebound from the heartbreak in Paris and a surprise early exit in Halle. The Italian still stands as Alcaraz’s fiercest rival, with the pair having split the last six Grand Slam titles. While Novak Djokovic continues to chase history at 38, his deep runs at the majors this year suggest he remains a serious threat especially on grass, where his experience and tactical nous give him an edge.
Among the new wave, British No 1 Jack Draper is attracting considerable attention. His rise from world No 40 to No 4 in the past year includes a Masters 1000 title and a US Open semi-final appearance. However, he has yet to reach the third round at Wimbledon and will be tested by the weight of home expectations. Equipped with a powerful lefty serve and growing maturity, Draper could thrive if he adjusts to the spotlight.
In the women’s draw, clarity is harder to find. Sabalenka arrives as the frontrunner, despite a bruising French Open final loss to Coco Gauff and the controversy that followed. Her explosive game thrives on grass, but mental resilience will be crucial. Gauff, now a two-time major winner, has yet to translate early Wimbledon promise into deep runs on the surface. Swiatek, too, has struggled on grass, but each year shows improvement, and she remains a formidable contender.
With former champions and rising stars in the mix, including Madison Keys and Mirra Andreeva, the unpredictability of the women’s draw adds intrigue. As always at Wimbledon, it will be the players who rise to the occasion under pressure who ultimately triumph.
