Jannik Sinner’s first Grand Slam as the top seed could see him take on a former finalist in the second round at Wimbledon next week.
The world No.1 will start his campaign against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, who hasn’t won back-to-back matches on the Tour since April. Then he faces a potential mouthwatering showdown against 2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini in what will be an all-Italian clash. Berrettini, who starts against Hungary’s Márton Fucsovics, is currently ranked 60th in the world but he has been sidelined from action in recent months due to injury.
Sinner is aiming to become the first Italian man to win the Wimbledon title. He enters the tournament with a win-loss record of 38-3 so far this season and has already won four titles, including the Australian Open. Last Sunday, he defeated Hubert Hurkacz to win his first ATP grass trophty in Halle.
“It has improved for sure but I think the general level has improved,” Sinner replied when asked about his game on grass.
“I serve a little bit better which helps a lot on this surface and trying to return a little bit more aggressive.
“I’m obviously happy about this year but Wimbledon is a different tournament. Let’s see what I can do.”
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has been drawn in the same half as Sinner, which means the two could clash in the semi-finals. A scenario that happened at the French Open earlier this year when the Spaniard won in five sets en route to the trophy. Alcaraz will play qualifier Mark Lajal in the first round in what will be the Estonian’s first appearance in the main draw of a major. He could then play Alexander Bublik in the third round followed by Casper Ruud.
“I have more matches in my bank on grass and with the great run I had last year at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon, I know a bit on how to play and understand the game on grass,” Alcaraz recently told reporters.
“I’m more mature playing on this surface. The first practice I’ve done here, my movement wasn’t as good as last year but it’s a slow process. I have to be really focused in every practice and every match,” he added.
The 21-year-old hopes to become the first player outside the Big Three to defend the men’s title since Pete Sampras in 2000. He has played only one grasscourt event leading up to Wimbledon which was at Queen’s where he lost in the second round to Jack Draper.
Novak Djokovic has been frantically trying to get back into shape following knee surgery after tearing the medial meniscus in his right knee. His swift recovery in time for Wimbledon has been pretty impressive as he eyes winning the tournament for the eighth time in his career which will equal Roger Federer’s record. Djokovic faces Vít Kopriva in his opening match. So far in his career, the Serbian has won 96 out of 112 matches at Wimbledon and has never lost in the first round.
“I haven’t come here to go through a few rounds,” Djokovic recently stated. “I’m going to play if I’m sure. I’m going to take it day by day, based on how I am, how I feel and if I can play at my best.
“If I can’t play, I’ll give someone else that opportunity. I’m only going to play if I’m in a position to go far and fight for the title. I’m not pushing myself to the limit, but I hope that happens in the next few days. I wouldn’t be here without the doctors’ permission.”
Andy Murray faces Czech Reoublic’s Tomas Machac, who he narrowly lost to at the Miami Masters earlier this year, in what could be his last-ever singles match at Wimbledon. He is still entered in the draw but it is still up in the air if he will be able to take part due to his fitness. Should he win, awaiting the former world No.1 in the second round will be either Roman Safiullin or Francisco Cerúndolo.
Murray recently had to undergo a surgical procedure to treat a cyst in his back but has vowed to give it all to play in the event. The two-time champion has been given a wildcard to play in the doubles event alongside Jamie Murray.
“It has been mentioned to me, ‘Are you going to withdraw before the draw at 10am on Friday?’ And I’m like, Well, no, I’m not. I’m going to wait until the last minute to see if I’m going to be able to and I’ve earned that right to do that,” said Murray.
“This is not clear cut where I am 100% going to be ready to play or there is a 0% chance that I can play. That is the situation. I would say it’s probably more likely that I’m not able to play singles right now. I’m also f****** doing rehab 24/7 to try to give myself that opportunity to play there again.
Elsewhere, Alexander Zverev will start his campaign against Roberto Carballés Baena, Daniil Medvedev opens up against Aleksandar Kovacevic and Andrey Rublev faces Francisco Comesaña.
As for first round matches to look out for, 19th seed Nicolas Jarry faces a potentially tricky task against 2021 semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov. Gael Monfils plays Adrian Mannarino with the winner possibly facing Stan Wawrinka. British No.1 Jack Draper will play Elias Ymer and then potentially compatriot Cameron Norrie. Finally, Felix Auger-Aliassime will begin his campaign against Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The top half of the men’s draw will be played on Monday and can be viewed HERE.
Projected fourth round matches
Sinner vs Shelton
Medvedev vs Dimitrov
Alcaraz vs Humbert
Ruud vs Paul
Zverev vs Fritz
Rublev vs Tsitsipas
De Minaur vs Hurkacz
Djokovic vs Rune
Projected quarter-final matches
Sinner vs Medvedev
Alcaraz vs Ruud
Rublev vs Zverev
Hurkacz vs Djokovic
Projected semi-final matches
Alcaraz vs Sinner
Djokovic vs Zverev
