10 players to keep a close eye on at this year’s Wimbledon

A few familiar names will be missing from Wimbledon this year but the competition is set to be just as fierce for the big titles.

Ashleigh Barty’s retirement means there will be no defending champion in what remains a wide open women’s field, while Novak Djokovic bids for a fourth successive men’s singles title and seventh overall.

Here, the PA news agency picks out 10 players to watch at the All England Club.

Serena Williams

Speculation was growing that Williams may have headed, unannounced, into retirement having not been seen on a tennis court since suffering a thigh injury early in her first-round match at Wimbledon 12 months ago and withdrawing in tears. But a wild card sees her back on the big stage and resuming her chase for a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles title. She would surely not have got on a plane if she did not believe she had another major title in her, but it will be a huge ask.

Iga Swiatek

Ons Jabeur

Emma Raducanu

Coco Gauff

It is now three years since a 15-year-old Gauff rocketed into the spotlight by qualifying for Wimbledon and reaching the fourth round. Her progress since has been solid and, still only 18, the American stands on the verge of a top-10 breakthrough having reached her first grand slam final at the French Open earlier this month. Gauff has carried that form on to grass and will have high hopes of bettering her two last-16 appearances at SW19.

Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal

Just when it seemed Nadal’s body may finally have had enough, the Spaniard has defied a chronic foot problem to win not just a 14th French Open title but a second Australian Open crown as well. His record total of 22 slam titles puts him two clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer and he is hopeful of being able to play at Wimbledon for the first time since 2019. Nadal won the second of his two titles back in 2010 but was close to making the final on both his last two appearances.

Matteo Berrettini

Nick Kyrgios

Jack Draper