Five things to expect from Wimbledon 2024

Novak Djokovic will chase a record eighth title at Wimbledon 2024, to match Roger Federer’s tally.

Wimbledon 2024 begins on July 1 with top seed Jannik Sinner in action on the opening day. Being the oldest grand slam which takes pride in preserving its traditions, Wimbledon has a special place in the hearts of all tennis players and fans. This year will mark the 137th edition of this prestigious tournament.

Here are the five things that we can expect from this year’s event.

5. AI-powered ‘Catch Me Up’ feature

A new AI-powered feature has been designed by IBM and the All England Lawn Tennis Club to help Wimbledon scale its content to both new and existing tennis fans globally and provide fans access to better coverage across ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles matches which often happen simultaneously. The new Generative AI Feature has been designed for personalized player stories at Wimbledon 2024. 

This feature displays pre and post-match player cards with AI-generated player stories and analysis via wimbledon.com and the Wimbledon 2024 App. Player cards will be personalised based on user preferences and data such as their location and myWimbledon profile, starting with their favourite players.

Pre-match content will include an analysis of recent performances and win predictions. The post-match analysis will include key statistics and highlights and also create longer-form daily summaries.

4. VIP guests in the Royal Box

Each year, the list of celebrities attending Wimbledon from the Royal Box make news headlines because of their popularity and stylish outfits. Be it film stars, sportsmen, politicians, or any other celebrity, everyone likes to attend Wimbledon from the Royal Box.

The Princess of Wales is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and is a regular feature in the Royal Box but the seating area has also been used to entertain friends and guests of Wimbledon since the center court was built in 1922. Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Jeff Bezos, and Lauren Sanchez etc. are just a few among the long list of celebrities who have watched matches from the box at Centre Court.

This year too, fans can expect their favourite stars to add to the glamour of the most decorated tennis event of the year.

3. Increased prize money

Wimbledon 2024 total prize money fund has been increased to a record 50 million pounds (about $64 million), with the singles champions each earning 2.7 million pounds ($3.45 million). This total amount is 5.3 million pounds ($6.8 million) more than last year, an increase of 11.9%. For comparison, this prize money is exactly twice the amount that was handed out to competitors at the tournament 10 years ago.

The winner’s prize money for Wimbledon 2024 represents an increase of 350,000 pounds (nearly $450,000), a 14.9% jump as compared to last year. Players who lose in the first round of singles will also get to take home 60,000 pounds (about $76,000), up from 55,000 ($70,000) in 2023. The prizes for the qualifying event have also gone up 14.9% to 4.8 million pounds (about $6 million).

4. Preparation for Paris Olympics 2024

2024 being an Olympic year makes this year’s Wimbledon extra special. Many players have decided to switch to clay court tournaments post-Wimbledon to prepare for the Paris Olympics 2024 which will be played on clay courts. This year’s Wimbledon can be seen as a stepping stone towards the preparation for the 2024 Olympics as Wimbledon is the final high-profile event before the Olympic games.

Despite it being played on a different surface, players would like to assert their dominance which will provide a massive boost to their confidence going forward into the Summer Games.

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

5. Djokovic’s quest for eighth title or first Wimbledon in 22 years without the Big Four?

Wimbledon 2024 can prove to be a pivotal point in the transition of tennis from the era of the big four to next-gen players. Novak Djokovic suffered from a knee injury in the French Open and is trying his best to recover post-surgery and participate in Wimbledon, but he is yet to make a final call.

If Novak plays, he will be on a mission to win the title for the record eighth time and level his rival Roger Federer’s tally. 

Andy Murray’s participation is also doubtful as he is recovering from back surgery. Murray has also not yet confirmed his participation in the event. If Murray and Djokovic both decide to skip the tournament then it will be the first time in the last 22 years that Wimbledon will be played without featuring at least one of the big four players. 

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