Jannik Sinner starts his bid for a second successive Wimbledon title on Monday, while Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka also take centre stage as the grass-court Grand Slam swings into action. Twelve months after Sinner and women's champion Iga Swiatek captivated Wimbledon with their respective triumphs, the All England Club storylines are richer and more varied than ever.
Sinner's Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
Sinner ended Carlos Alcaraz's two-year reign as champion with a dynamic display of power hitting in the 2025 final. With Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury, Sinner is the clear favorite to become the 10th man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon trophy. However, he arrives with concerns after not reaching a Grand Slam final this year and a second-round exit at the French Open.
Djokovic's Historic Pursuit
Novak Djokovic, who opens his campaign against China's Wu Yibing on Centre Court, is taking inspiration from Serena Williams as he targets an all-time record of 25 Grand Slam singles titles. The 39-year-old Serb hasn't won a Grand Slam since 2023, and no man of his age has won a major title in the Open era. Wimbledon's fast courts offer him the best conditions to achieve this milestone.
Other Notable Matches
Elsewhere on Wimbledon's opening day, women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka faces Serbia's Teodora Kostovic. Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, has never reached the Wimbledon final. Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, the newly crowned French Open champion, meets Poland's Magda Linette. Serena Williams' eagerly-anticipated first match at Wimbledon in four years comes against Australia's Maya Joint on Tuesday.
