Martina Navratilova has rated the current state of play on the WTA ahead of Wimbledon’s commencement next week.
Currently in the final stages of preparation for the latest Grand Slam event, there is a mix of those scrapping in the qualifiers and others just seeking to gain some extra preparation on grass in Mallorca, Bad Homburg, Eastbourne or beyond.
There is great interest over whether Carlos Alcaraz can defend his crown for a third straight year, as the overwhelming favourite to do so on the men’s side.
However, on the women’s side, there is far more ambiguity.
The title is there for almost anyone to take, and with that in mind, Navratilova has sought to assess the chances of the top-ranked players.
Martina Navratilova gives her Wimbledon prediction for the WTA’s top players
Starting with Aryna Sabalenka, she first told WTA Tennis: ‘Looking at her record, it’s hard to think she’s not the favorite this year. She’s a complete player and has a good game for grass. It’s hard to find a weakness or an opening against her. I’m wondering if losing the French Open final will actually help motivate her. I think she finds herself in a good spot.’
However, Navratilova would then move onto Coco Gauff, rating the American’s hopes of completing the French Open and Wimbledon double: ‘I think I’d put Coco as the second favorite.
‘The great athletes always shine on grass. She’s the best athlete in the women’s game. That should pay off for her, and she’s flying high after winning the French Open.
‘It’s just about managing her game, managing her body, her emotions. She’s found the happy medium, the equilibrium between being focused and fired up.’
Elsewhere, the nine-time Wimbledon champion also expects big things from Jasmine Paolini, Madison Keys and Elena Rybakina.
Can Coco Gauff perform at Wimbledon?
Wimbledon is arguably the tournament that put Gauff on the tennis map, beating Venus Williams as a 15-year-old.
However, since then, she has failed to surpass that fourth-round run despite making multiple finals in other elite events.
It seems that, for whatever reason, the American cannot get to grips with the grass. It remains the only surface on which she has not won a title, with there being a clear area that Gauff must improve to thrive at Wimbledon.
Gauff is far from the biggest ball striker on tour, nor does she have the most ferocious serve. Frustratingly, these are two traits that afford those who have them a massive advantage on this surface.
However, as Navratilova suggests, her athleticism gives her a chance in any match, and with the right draw and if conditions fall in her favour, there’s no reason why she cannot do the unthinkable once again.
