It is the event where even non followers of tennis will still tune in to watch. People are familiar with the grass courts, strawberries, and cream, and the white dress code. However, I’m not interested in the spectacle; I’m interested in who’s going to win.
Against Alcaraz
When it comes to the Men’s Singles, Carlos Alcaraz is the favourite at 13/8, with Rhino to defend his title. He comes into Wimbledon in a mixed-vein form. Earlier this month, he won the French Open after going the distance with Alexander Zverev, but then he lost to Jack Draper in straight sets at Queens last week. With that recent defeat fresh in my mind, I think he looks a touch vulnerable at that price, and I’d be keen to take him on.
Sinner On The Rise
Next on the list is World Number One, Jannik Sinner. In the last 12 months, his career has rocketed, winning the Australian Open and then reaching the semi-finals of the French Open. Last year, the Italian got to the semi-finals, so he has shown an aptitude for grass. He also arrives here in decent form after winning the Halle Open in Germany in his preparation for Wimbledon. He’s 7/4, and I would marginally prefer him over Alcaraz. There’s no debate around Alcaraz’s ability, but with his recent loss to Jack Draper, that would be at the back of my mind.
The Best Of British
Speaking of Jack Draper, he’s the shortest-priced British player in the market at 20/1. He’s a player that is on an upward curve, and he won his first ATP tour event at the Stuttgart Open earlier this month. Furthermore, he got to the fourth round of the US Open last year, so he’s become familiar with what it takes to get through the early rounds of a Grand Slam. With a home crowd cheering him on, he might be able to get far. I could see maybe getting to a quarterfinal or maybe even a semi, but no further than that.
Discount Djokovic?
Of the big names, I’m yet to mention ten-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic. He’s been recovering from knee surgery this year, and he said he would only compete if he felt like he could win. He had two hours of practice on Monday and said he would make his decision on whether he would play this Friday before the draw. If he does decide to take part, then he needs respect, but I think he’s going to struggle to win, and at 4/1, I’m happy to leave him alone.
Overall, I do think it’s a two-horse race between Sinner and Alcaraz in the Men’s Singles, but I just have to side with Sinner.
Wide Open Women’s
On the other hand, the Women’s Singles is wide open. The current favourite is Aryna Sabalenka, who is available at 3/1 with Rhino. She’s got a solid profile and has been in very good form, coming here off the back of an Australian Open win and a quarter-final appearance at the French Open. Furthermore, her record at Wimbledon isn’t bad, having made the last two semi-finals in her last two appearances at the tournament. She’ll go far, but I just doubt her attitude in the big moments at times, and I’m happy to leave her.
Swerve Swiatek On Grass
Iga Swiatek is the form player coming into Wimbledon this year after her victory at the French Open. She merits a lot of respect, but her form on the grass isn’t the best, and she’s never gotten past the quarterfinals. In my opinion, she’s a clay specialist, and that is the surface to side with her on.
Veering Off Vondrousova
I was quite keen on siding with last year’s defending champion, Marketa Vondrousova, at 28/1, but she picked up an injury at the Berlin Grass Court Championship in the second round last week, which is a big concern. You want a player that you know is injury-free going into a tournament, as it could be a long two weeks.
Punt On Peluga
Therefore, I am going to take a flyer with Jessica Peluga at 22/1. She might not have won a Grand Slam, but she’s been raising her game over the last couple of years, and last year she reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Moreover, she comes to SW19 in great form after winning the Berlin Grass Court Championship last week. On route to winning, she beat Coco Gauff in straight sets, who is a top player on her day.
It’s interesting that the last two winners of the Venus Rosewater Dish won their first Grand Slam of their careers, and I wouldn’t be surprised if history repeated itself here with Peluga.
I hope you all enjoy the action for the next two weeks at SW19, and if you are having a bet, then please remember to gamble responsibly.
Wimbledon Tips
Men’s Singles
Jannik Sinner (7/4)
Women’s Singles
Jessica Peluga (22/1)
