Women to watch at Wimbledon
Annabel Croft reveals the five female stars who could serve up success at this year's Championships
- Annabel Croft
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Aryna Sabalenka
Getty
Country Belarus
Age 28
Ranking 1
She’s a very brave tennis player who goes for broke, with all-out power, a massive serve and ground strokes. Sabalenka brings a big personality to a tennis court and has embraced everything that goes with being world number one.
The four-time major winner has faltered in the latter stages of grand slams recently because she wants to win so much. If she can bounce back from an early exit at the French Open, a first Wimbledon title could be well within reach.
Elena Rybakina
Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Country Kazakhstan
Age 27
Ranking 2
A force to face on a grass court. The former Wimbledon champion has struggled with injury and illness since her 2022 victory but recovered to win the Australian Open in January. Rybakina is very tall, with a great wingspan on court, has a wonderful serve, a phenomenal backhand and great touch. She’s calm on the court, almost emotionless. Head down and focused, she just gets on with it.
Iga Świątek
Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Country Poland
Age 25
Ranking 3
The defending champion took everyone’s breath away by ending her grass court drought with a first Wimbledon win and her sixth grand slam title last year. Świątek can catch fire and blow players away, but then in the blink of an eye it can turn and she’s vulnerable again. Her win in Cincinnati last August feels a long time ago and she’s turned to the excellent Francisco Roig – Rafa Nadal’s former coach – to solve the crisis in her corner.
Mirra Andreeva
Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Country Russia
Age 19
Ranking 5
A grand slam champion at 19 after winning at Roland-Garros, Andreeva is a chess player on the court. Her game is full of variety and creativity,vand she really mixes the pace. Everything looks effortless when she plays. She has wonderful feel and touch – drop shots, slices and moon balls. Following up a French Open win on grass is never easy. All eyes will be on her, but she was born to be a champion and has a fun personality.
Coco Gauff
Getty
Country United States
Age 22
Ranking 7
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Probably the best athlete on the tour, Gauff is still just 22 despite announcing herself by beating Venus Williams at Wimbledon in 2019. Now a two-time major champion, she’s got a great all-around game. On court, she moves beautifully and her serve is really big. She’s worked so hard putting more shape and control on her forehand. Opponents can mess with her rhythm on grass but she fights.
Authors
Annabel Croft
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