Top five early predictions for 2024 Wimbledon ft. Casper Ruud, Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic and more

The main draw of the Wimbledon 2024 will commence on July 1.

Only a week remains before the main draw of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships gets underway. The qualifying draw has already commenced at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Few players are uncertain about participating in the Grand Slam, while others have started preparations at the venue.

Wimbledon has always been popular for its class, emanation, aura, and atmosphere. However, the grass courts have seen numerous mental as well as physical battles from both sides of the net over several decades. Thus, before the new edition of the grass-court Major starts, let’s take a look at the top five early predictions for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships:

5. Andy Murray to suffer a first-round exit

Andy Murray’s stance on playing in the 2024 Wimbledon Championships is unclear. He retired from the second round of the Queen’s Club Championships last week due to back issues. He has undergone a surgical procedure on his back; however, his troubles are far from ending. Due to a spinal lump, it was announced by the ATP that he would miss the Grand Slam, which was expected to be his last.

Adding a twist to the story, the report was deleted and as per reports, the announcement was made prematurely. According to BBC, the two-time Wimbledon champion hasn’t made any decision about his participation in the grass court Major. It seems like the Brit will make every effort to play in front of the home audience, eventually losing in the first round, just like Roland Garros due to fitness issues.

4. Casper Ruud to get knocked out in second round

Casper Ruud showed up in Paris for the Vogue fashion show, earlier this week with his girlfriend, Maria Galligani. Consequently, it seems like the Norwegian tennis star isn’t bothered with his performance on grass. Much like last year, he last played at the French Open, missing grass competitions. Thus, the 25-year-old is likely to be one of the initial seeded stars to be eliminated.

3. A new women’s singles champion but not Iga Swiatek

Marketa Vondrousova, who scripted history by winning the Wimbledon in 2023, had to retire after suffering a leg injury against Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in the second round of the Berlin Ladies Open last week. She’s expected to make her return, however, tennis enthusiasts are more likely to witness a shift in the crown.

Iga Swiatek is one of the favourites to win the grasscourt Major. However, the Pole tennis star aims to win matches in straight sets and limited minutes. A close scare can end her campaign and hopes for a Wimbledon title. She has missed the WTA 500 grass events and she’s also keen to participate in the Paris Olympics. Thus, if not Elena Rybakina, fans are most likely to see a new champion, which is not Swiatek.

2. A new surprise performer in singles events

Last year, Christopher Eubanks stole the limelight with his athleticism and trick shots. With his quarter-final run in the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, Eubanks also reached his career-best ranking of #29. The American recorded a memorable win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. Similarly, the grass court Major can witness a new surprise performer, which can be Lorenzo Musetti, Jack Draper, Sebastian Korda, or any other star.

On the women’s front, Marketa Vondrousova became the first unseeded woman since Billie Jean King to win the grass-court Grand Slam (1963). In addition to that, the likes of Ons Jabeur, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina are not fully fit, leaving a huge gap for a newcomer to bloom.

1. Novak Djokovic playing Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic withdrew from the quarterfinals of the 2024 French Open after he tore the meniscus of his right knee. However, the Serb underwent an immediate surgical procedure and also arrived at the All England Tennis Club a week before the Wimbledon Championships.

The Serbian tennis star is a seven-time Wimbledon champion and he has been playing on grass for the last two decades. Thus, he will possibly make his return in time and present a resilient challenge to all the young tennis stars.

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