This article is part of a comprehensive guide to tennis from FT Globetrotter. In anticipation of Wimbledon, FT Globetrotter gathered three tennis experts – David Law, Catherine Whitaker, and Matt Roberts, hosts of The Tennis Podcast – to discuss this year’s Championships. With more than a thousand episodes and over 20 million downloads, The Tennis Podcast has become the leading podcast in the sport, featuring insights from current players and legends such as Daniil Medvedev, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, and Goran Ivanišević. Law and Whitaker started the podcast in 2012 around Law’s parents’ dining table, while Roberts joined as an intern and has since become a tennis-stat supremo. The trio has also been quoted in Netflix’s tennis docu-series, Break Point.
The experts provide insights into what it takes to win Wimbledon. Catherine Whitaker notes that the grass-court season is only five weeks long, and most players only have one warm-up tournament to figure out the unique and challenging surface. David Law points out that the required repertoire of shots has narrowed over the years, with players nowadays hugging the baseline even on grass. However, an excellent serve is still crucial for success.
They also discuss the fears and challenges that young players face on grass. The movement and footing on grass are vital, and players need to overcome any fear or uncertainty they may have. One little incident early in their career can affect their confidence and footing on grass.
The article then highlights some of the favorites for this year’s Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic, the clear favorite, has won Wimbledon seven times and could match Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledons this year. Catherine Whitaker believes that Carlos Alcaraz, the current world number one who won his first grass-court tournament in June, is Djokovic’s main rival. Elena Rybakina, last year’s Wimbledon champion, is also considered a favorite, although her preparations have been hampered by a virus picked up during the French Open. Other players to watch include Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Ons Jabeur.
The experts also mention some players to keep an eye on who may surprise everyone. Daniil Medvedev, a former US Open champion, is known for his quick wit and temperament and could make an impact on grass. Jannik Sinner, who pushed Djokovic to five sets at Wimbledon last year, plays a similar grass-court style to Djokovic and has the potential to upset top players. Petra Kvitová, a two-time Wimbledon champion, is another player to watch, with her powerful game and past success on grass.
In conclusion, the experts provide valuable insights into the prospects for this year’s Wimbledon. From the favorites to the underdogs, they analyze the players’ strengths and potential to make an impact on the grass courts. Tennis enthusiasts and fans of the sport can look forward to an exciting tournament ahead.
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