Who's Gonna Win(bledon)?

Wimbledon

Who’s Gonna Win(bledon)?

If the horrendous dad-joke title didn’t make you smash the unsubscribe button, I appreciate your perseverance.

The Lawnmower Slam is already under way, so I have the luxury of knowing a few first-round results while I write this. But let’s be real: just picking who I think will win is boring. So here’s both—who I think will win, and who I want to win.

Men’s Singles

Who I Think: Carlos Alcaraz

There’s just too much pointing in his direction.

He’s coming off of titles at Roland Garros and Queen’s. He understands how to play on grass — taking the right lines to the ball, flattening it out at the right times, and ghosting into net to finish points. He’s got a rare combo of foot speed, feel, and tennis IQ that makes him outstanding on the lawns.

It’s also worth mentioning, he’s won the last two years. 3-peat incoming 😮

Who I Want: Novak Djokovic

I’ve never been a Djokovic fan. Always leaned Fed/Nadal. But this time, I’m all for Novak.

Why? Because I want one last run. I want the 38-year-old who’s closer to an AARP membership than the beginning of his career to remind everyone just who he is. This season has done his legacy a disservice. His early exits have made people forget he’s won 24 majors—more than Roger and Rafa.

In my opinion, this is his best chance to win one more Slam—on a surface with short points, and one that gives his serve and groundstrokes extra zip. This might be his last dance. And I want to see him light it up one more time.

Women’s Singles

Who I Think: Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka is 0–2 in her last two Slam finals, but I think she flips the script here.

She didn’t play Wimbledon last year, so there’s less pressure. Her lead-up wasn’t amazing, but grass suits her better than people think. She’s got the power, sure—but also the subtlety: the slice, the drop shot, the ability to hit through low skids and stay composed in quick rallies.

She’s been knocking at the door for long enough, and I think this is the one that opens it. Her first non hard court slam title is here.

Who I Want: Emma Navarro

Alright, fine—I have a tiny crush on Emma Navarro. But it’s not just that.

The Charleston native’s game is sneaky good on grass. Her movement is elite—she gets out of the corners incredibly well, which lets her defend, counter, and extend points longer than her peers. She’s also comfortable taking balls early, and her flat backhand is super effective on the lawns.

Last year, in just her second time playing Wimbledon, she made the quarterfinals. That never happens. Learning to play on grass usually takes years—if it ever happens at all. But she’s already ahead of the curve, and if anyone outside the top five is going to make a run, it’s her. C’mon Emma!

Trivia

Before Alcaraz’s 2023 Wimbledon win, who was the last man not named Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, or Murray to win the men’s singles title at Wimbledon?

A. Lleyton Hewitt

B. Andre Agassi

C. Andy Roddick

D. Pete Sampras

Find out at the bottom!

Meet the Player

Katie Boulter

From: Great Britain 🇬🇧

Best Slam Result: 3rd Round

Career High Ranking: 23

Fun Facts: Supports Leicester City Football Club + is dating Alex de Minaur

Game Analysis: Boulter’s game is easy on the eyes. Her technique is impeccable, she plays attacking, but measured tennis, and can rip winners off of both sides. That said, she could be a more aggressive mover, and improve on turning defense into offense.

Career Prediction: The 28 year old Brit is still on the rise. I think she cracks the top 20 and makes a slam quarters at least once.

Answer

A. Lleyton Hewitt

Before the Big 4’s reign began, the Aussie was the last man to hoist the trophy at Wimbledon. He beat David Nalbandian 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 back in 2002 to win his second Grand Slam.