The Wimbledon Championships are just around the corner, set to begin on Monday, and five standout players are vying for the prestigious women’s title. Here’s a closer look at the top contenders.
Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
World Ranking: 1
Aryna Sabalenka enters Wimbledon with high expectations after a dominant 2024, where she captured two Grand Slam titles. However, she was forced to withdraw from last year’s tournament due to a shoulder injury. Known for her powerful serve and forehand, the three-time Grand Slam champion has yet to win a title on grass. Sabalenka reached the semifinals in her last two Wimbledon appearances and will be looking to capitalize on her strong performance in the Berlin semifinals leading up to the tournament.
Coco Gauff (United States)
World Ranking: 2
Coco Gauff proved her mettle by winning her second Grand Slam title at the French Open earlier this month, defeating Sabalenka in the final. Despite her success, Gauff’s grass-court performances have been inconsistent, failing to reach a WTA final on this surface. The 21-year-old has shown resilience in overcoming setbacks, and after a disappointing early exit in Berlin, she aims to make a strong statement at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round as a teenager in 2019.
Iga Swiatek (Poland)
World Ranking: 8
Dubbed the ‘Queen of Clay,’ Iga Swiatek has had her struggles on grass, similar to her rivals. The former world No. 1 reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2023 but has yet to play in a WTA final on grass. After a challenging season, she faces the added pressure of previous distractions, including a doping case. Motivated to reclaim her spot among the elite, Swiatek is eager to prove her versatility and capture her sixth Grand Slam title.
Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
World Ranking: 11
Elena Rybakina made headlines by winning Wimbledon in 2022 without having previously lifted a WTA trophy on grass. Despite not reaching another final since her victory, her powerful game makes her a formidable competitor. Rybakina reached the quarterfinals in 2023 and narrowly missed out on a spot in the finals last year. With less pressure following her slight drop in the rankings, she looks to replicate her success quietly at this year’s tournament.
Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republic)
World Ranking: 17
Krejcikova faces a unique opportunity as she aims to defend her title in a tournament that has seen seven different champions in the past seven years. After dealing with injuries, the 29-year-old is ready to rise to the challenge, having previously won the title as the 31st seed. With her late mentor Jana Novotna’s legacy in mind, Krejcikova is motivated to make a significant impact at Wimbledon, especially with attention also on her compatriot, Marketa Vondrousova.