Every year is the same. Wimbledon arrives and I am remiss to just do what every other plucky Brit does and enjoy two weeks of grass court tennis. No, I have to delve into the numbers, make some outlandish picks, and then hate myself when the finals weekend arrives and all my favourites flew home before the Middle Sunday (RIP Manic Monday).
So yes, I’m that friend who tries to tell you I haven’t put that much effort into my Wimbledon picks, when in reality I’ve been thinking about them since Carlitos hit that running FHDTL winner back on June 8. Let’s start with the women though, as—let’s be real—they are delivering at the moment. (For Sincaraz and more, see Men's Edition)
My Champion: Aryna Sabalenka. If you read my preface, you’ll see I said I made outlandish picks, so what better way to unveil my true British appeal, than by being a true hypocrite and extremely contradictory. I simply cannot see past the world number one this fortnight, and barring any major catastrophe, I see her holding the Venus Rosewater dish come July 12. Her coach, Anton Dubrov, has done a brilliant job in adding variety to her game, in particular the dropper off the forehand. I think Jason Stacey has not only developed her physicality off the charts, but really helped in keeping a lid on her frustrations (…most of the time). The only player that could stop her is Coco Gauff, but I don’t see her being able to navigate her way through a draw on the quicker courts whilst her forehand is getting wester by the day.