Modern tennis Grand Slams are all about the shifting balances of power between the old, steely veterans and the young up and comers fighting for their first major title! The fact is clearly evident in the famous first Monday at Wimbledon, where the action kicks off with last year’s champion (Andy Murray) against their drawn pairing. Will the lowly ranked contender rise to the challenge? While it’s unlikely, there is always a chance…
But looking ahead to serious contenders amongst the relatively young or fading veteran stars present at Wimbledon, there are 10 solid tennis players who might just rise up and snatch a major victory!
Here are the interesting stars amongst the women:
Li Na – While she recently earned a Australian Open title this year, she has yet to progress through the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, despite 3 such opportunities. While not young at age 32, Na is a worldwide star that hasn’t produced at Wimbledon.
Li Na vs Radwanska at the 2013 Wimbledon. (Photo Credit: © Mustapha Ousellam)
Simona Halep – This young Romanian star has burst onto the tennis scene in 2014 with successful Grand Slam runs including a march to the French Open Final. Though she lost that match to Maria Sharapova, one gets the sense that Halep will soon be earning Grand Slam titles herself…
Simona Halep, the new face of Women’s tennis? – (Photo Credit: © Tatiana Kulitat)
Petra Kvitova – While she did win Wimbledon 2011, Kvitova has yet to earn another major. However, ranked 6th in the world and still a young 24, the Czech star could yet make another daring run at this event, which she typically does well in.
Eugenie Bouchard – The 20 year old Canadian has been knocking on the Grand Slam door all year, reaching semifinals of both the Australian and French Opens. A hard-hitter with an aggressive style, Bouchard is a star in the making.
Eugenie Bouchard ready to make her mark! – (Photo Credit: © Ph-stop)
Samantha Stosur – Having experienced an up and down career, Stosur achieved greatness at the 2011 US Open, though her appearances at Wimbledon have never progressed beyond the 3rd round. With a winning mentality though, she could be the surprise of the tournament.
Here are some of the key men at Wimbledon:
Juan Martin del Potro – At 25, this player is reaching the age where he needs to assert himself. After a strong semifinal run in 2013, Del Potro will want to build off of that success and his lone Grand Slam title at the 2009 US Open.
Andy Murray – After achieving his first Wimbledon title last year, the Scotsman has been ill of form, though his French Open semifinal run displayed that he is returning to his best. Can he now defend the title on his home turf?
Andy Murray at Wimbledon – (Photo Credit: © Kate Carine06)
Milos Raonic – The young Canadian has beaten several prominent players in his career but has yet to take the next step at a major, though he achieved a personal best quarterfinal appearance at last month’s French Open. Looking ahead, Wimbledon could be a proving ground.
Ernests Gulbis – The 25 year old Latvian star came out of nowhere to achieve a semifinal run at the 2014 French Open. Now at Wimbledon he will be poised to reach new heights.
Fantastic image of the ball on (in?!) the strings. – (Photo Credit: © Kate Carine06)
Roger Federer – Is there any more delightful a tennis player to watch than Federer? Despite winning 7 Wimbledon titles, the aging superstar was ousted in the 2nd round in 2013. Surely, he will produce better this time around, but can he earn yet another victory?
Robyn Bernstein
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