Tennis - Wimbledon begins: chances for Zverev, mystery surrounding Djokovic
Three weeks after the dramatic final of the French Open with the defeated Alexander Zverev, Wimbledon is up next. The renowned grass-court classic is considered the most famous and prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Here's a preview before the kickoff:
When is it played?
Unlike the first two Grand Slam tournaments of the season in Melbourne and Paris, Wimbledon does not start on a Sunday. The first round matches begin on a Monday. Matches that go into the night, which caused renewed discussions in Paris, are not allowed. Matches must end in the neighborhood no later than 11:00 pm.
The middle Sunday in Wimbledon was a long tradition but is now abolished. The trophies in the singles will then be presented at the concluding weekend - on July 13 for the women and July 14 for the men.
What role does Zverev play?
He reached the final in Paris, but on clay. The Hamburg native starts as the world number four and with the momentum of the French Open, but the top favorites are others. The likelihood of Zverev ending the long wait for a German titleholder in the men's singles is anything but promising. At the very least, he was done in by the round of 16. "I see my chances this year in Wimbledon much, much higher than I have seen them in the last few years," Zverev said.
He plays first against the Spanish world number 65 Roberto Carballés Baena. In the semifinals, he could face record Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.
And the Germans?
The focus is on Angelique Kerber among the German women. The Wimbledon champion of 2018 disappointed in the warm-up in Bad Homburg and faces a tough challenge against the unappealing Kasakh Julia Putinzewa right from the start. She intends to rely on the fact that it goes better than at the first two Grand Slam appearances after the baby break. Both times she was knocked out in the first round.
Among the men, the often aggressive offensive player Jan-Lennard Struff can pose a threat to favored opponents. A total of twelve Germans are in the main draw: six women, six men. Unlucky is Yannick Hanfmann, who plays against the world number one Jannik Sinner in the first round.
Who are the top favorites?
A lot depends on Djokovic's fitness. If his knee is ready for matches over three victories, the record Grand Slam champion must be counted in. At the French Open, he suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee and withdrew from the quarterfinals. He underwent surgery and returned quickly to the training ground. On Friday, he won a show match against the Russian Daniil Medvedev for himself. "I was pain-free and I'm really happy," he said in the English media after the match.
Title contenders are also the Spanish title defender Carlos Alcaraz and the Italian Australian Open winner Sinner. The Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal is sparing his body for a planned last start at the Olympic Games on clay in Paris.
Among the women, the Polish world number one Iga Swiatek is not the clear favorite this time. Wimbledon has not been kind to her so far. With the Australian Open winner Aryna Sabalenka and the American Coco Gauff, as well as the Wimbledon champion of 2022, Jelena Rybakina from Kazakhstan, or title defender Marketa Vondrousova from the Czech Republic, there are also other strong contenders.
How much is the prize money?
As high as ever. The organizers dispensed more than 59 million Euros, which is significantly more than the previous year. The winners in singles each receive approximately 3.2 million Euros in prize money. First-round losers in singles receive around 71,000 Euros.
Where can I watch the matches?
For the first time, the tournament will be shown on Prime, Amazon's pay-per-view internet TV. Amazon thus displaces the pay-TV broadcaster Sky. The contract runs until 2027.
In the world of tennis, Alexander Zverev from Great Britain's neighbor, Germany, is looking forward to Wimbledon after his recent French Open performance. Unlike the initial Grand Slam tournaments in Melbourne and Paris starting on Sundays, Wimbledon commences on a Monday. Zverev will face Roberto Carballés Baena in the first round and potentially encounter Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. Meanwhile, among the German women, Angelique Kerber, the 2018 Wimbledon champion, faces a tough challenge against Julia Putinzewa in the opening round.
In terms of top favorites, Novak Djokovic's fitness is crucial for his chances. Djokovic, the record Grand Slam champion, must overcome his right knee injury to enter the competition with a strong bid. Title contenders also include the Spanish defenders Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who recently won the Australian Open. Among the women, the Polish Iga Swiatek is not the outright favorite for Wimbledon's prestigious title.
If you're curious to know if you can watch the exciting matches of Wimbledon, the tournament will be showcased on Amazon Prime for the first time. The contract extends until 2027. Known for its high stakes, Wimbledon grants more than 59 million Euros in prize money, with winners in singles receiving approximately 3.2 million Euros.
In the thrilling sport of tennis, underdogs like Alexander Zverev from Germany and other talented players including Angelique Kerber from Germany and numerous German competitors, are eager to showcase their skills at Wimbledon. The renowned international tennis tournament in London, showcasing the best talents from around the world, promises to be filled with exciting matches and unforgettable moments.
