Wimbledon 2023Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina favourites, but there is more to the grass-court extravaganza

By Sabyasachi ChowdhuryAs of now, only Bjorn Borg and Roger Federer have won five Wimbledon titles in a row in the Open Era. But now, a certain Novak Djokovic has a chance to equal the legendary players’ feat. Having won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, there is no stopping the veteran from Serbia. Djokovic is unbeaten in majors this year, having won the Australian Open and French Open.

Djokovic also has a chance to equal Federer’s record of most Wimbledon singles titles (8). In fact, out of the last 11 editions of the tournament at SW19, Djokovic has won. The 36-year-old hasn’t had issues with his fitness and even at the age of 36, when the likes of Federer and Nadal started fading away, Djokovic is raising the bar.

Carlos Alcaraz has mostly played well on clay, having also played in the French Open final last month. The Spaniard couldn’t go beyond the fourth time last time around, but having won the Queen’s, his confidence would have sky-rocketed. Alcaraz also reclaimed the No.1 ranking from Djokovic.

Medvedev has won four tour-level titles this year, but has struggled a wee bit in Grand Slam majors. The likes of Holger Rune, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas are also expected to add spice to the men’s singles draw.

How good a shape Elena Rybakina is in?

Last year, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina won the women’s singles title by beating Ons Jabeur when she was ranked No.17. The pressure wasn’t on her since the likes of Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff were favourites. Since then, Rybakina has evolved and is currently ranked No.3.

But from the French Open onwards, she has faced troubles, mostly physically. After bowing out of her third round match at Roland Garros, she missed the tournament in Eastbourne. She will be facing USA’s Shelby Rogers in the first round.

Iga Swiatek is the World No.1, but she is yet to stamp her authority on grass. But having won the French Open, the 22-year-old Polish star will be keen to make a name for herself on grass as well.

Aryna Sabalenka stuttered in the French Open semis, after which she lost to Veronika Kudermetova in the Berlin Championships. Being considered among the big 3 along with Swiatek and Rybakina, expectations will be high from Sabalenka.

Jessica Pegula, Caroline Garcia and Maria Sakkari flattered to deceive in the French Open and will want to make amends. The focus will also be on the likes of teen sensations Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff.