For two weeks at the start of the London summer, anticipation fills the air. From the perfectly manicured grass courts to the iconic all-white dress code, Wimbledon symbolises a grand tradition, prestige and sporting excellence.
Each year, the eyes of the tennis world turn to SW19 as a new chapter of tennis history is written, with rising stars and seasoned professionals alike looking to etch their names into the tournament’s storied history. As the 2025 edition approaches, all signs point to another captivating fortnight. Here are five players you should be keeping an eye on at this year’s Wimbledon tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka
Currently ranked number one in the women’s world rankings, the inclusion of the Belarusian may not be much of a surprise to the perceptive tennis fan. Having missed the 2024 edition of arguably the world’s most prestigious tournament, Sabalenka can still be proud of her body of work throughout the year, having scooped both the Australian and US Open titles.
Predominantly a baseline player with a powerful, aggressive style, Aryna likes to take control of points and dictate the play. The 2023 Wimbledon Semi-finalist believes her serve to be her strongest weapon – in that particular year, she delivered a highly impressive 401 aces, singling her out as one of the most dangerous female servers in the game.
Despite her dominant delivery, it can occasionally be inconsistent and Sabalenka sometimes struggles with her double-fault count; she served 166 double faults in 2020, the most of any player on the tour. If her opponents can capitalise on this, she runs the risk of not making it to the second week. However, she is vastly capable and certainly has the tools at her disposal to warrant her status as tournament favourite.
Coco Gauff
Many have lauded the Florida native as the second incarnation of Serena Williams and for good reason. Having burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced 15-year-old during the 2019 Wimbledon tournament, Gauff realised her massive potential four years later, acquiring her maiden major title with a victory at the 2023 US Open.
An overtly aggressive player, Gauff also benefits from being one of the most athletic women on the tour – an attribute almost certainly passed down to her from her parents, both of whom were involved in athletic pursuits in their youth. The sheer speed she possesses allows her to chase down every ball, reminiscent of a young Arantxa Sánchez Vicario – the Spaniard famed for her never-say-die attitude.
A former world number one in the junior ranks, Coco Gauff currently holds the number two spot in the senior women’s game – a position she seems destined to soon surpass. The 21-year-old is tipped for big things and previously trained under long-time Serena Williams coach Patrick Mouratoglou at his France academy. Her all-around game is one of the most complete on the tour and with new coach Matt Daly in her corner – a footwork and technique specialist – many are tipping Coco Gauff to go all the way at this year’s Wimbledon tournament.
Jannik Sinner
Many tennis pundits believe Italy’s Sinner will one day win all four Grand Slam tournaments (you technically only win the ‘Grand Slam’ itself if you win each major in the same calendar year). Despite an underwhelming junior career, the 23-year-old turned professional at the age of 16 and has since proved himself among his peers; the Italian is currently the ATP world number one.
One of the hardest hitters on the tour, this year’s Australian Open champion has the ability to completely overwhelm opponents with aggressive shots from the baseline. He also possesses a rasping two-handed backhand, representing one of the most dangerous shots in the Jannik Sinner arsenal.
Often compared with all-time great Roger Federer thanks to his mild-mannered approach, Sinner has been praised by the Swiss legend himself, who has highlighted his ability to play forehands and backhands at almost the same speed.
The Italian has tended only to thrive when playing on hard surfaces during his career so far – all of his major titles have come at the US and Australian Opens – so if he wants to join the list of just five players to win a career Grand Slam, he will need to address his grass court form. All-time greats have a knack for getting over the line in the big tournaments. Rafael Nadal was far better suited to clay and hard surfaces but still managed to take home two Wimbledon titles throughout his epic career. So Sinner may need to channel his inner Nadal in order to achieve greatness.
Jack Draper
Draper represents one of the biggest outside chances of this year’s Wimbledon men’s draw. The 23-year-old Briton is yet to make a major final, but coming into the tournament as the number-five-ranked player in the world, he carries both the form and confidence to mount a serious challenge in SW19 this year. His Indian Wells tournament win in March – including a morale-boosting victory over reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal – will do nothing to hurt his confidence going into the tournament.
With an aggressive all-around style coupled with a strong serve, Draper is something of an anomaly; he plays left-handed despite being a natural right-hander. He has also experienced the latter stages of a major tournament before – appearing at last year’s US Open semifinals – so going one better this year might not be the stretch some imagine it to be.
Draper possesses an ability to mix up his serve, drawing flattering comparisons to the legendary Rafael Nadal. Whether he can prove those comparisons to be true and furnish his trophy cabinet with that elusive first major remains to be seen.
Emma Raducanu
Despite taking the tennis world by storm by winning the US Open as an 18-year-old in 2021, Britain’s Emma Raducanu has flattered to deceive ever since. Having failed to get past the fourth round of her home tournament, the now 22-year-old represents something of a gamble. However, the current world number 43 certainly has what it takes to advance to the latter rounds of a major tournament.
Primarily a baseline player with a tendency to hit the ball early, she possesses a beautiful two-handed backhand; which she has used to pressurise various opponents in the past. The current British number two, who was born in Canada, is also the proud owner of a strong forehand. She uses this to her advantage when not serving and is well known for her effective return of serve.
Footwork, agility around the court, and anticipation are all key features of the Raducanu game and if she can put it all together in SW19 this July, then she will be one of the players Wimbledon punters will need to keep an eye on.
Every player arrives at Wimbledon with the ambition of producing a performance that could define their career. It is a tournament where dreams are both realised and shattered. From Aryna Sabalenka, carrying the weight of expectation as world number one, to the homegrown hopes of Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu, these are the five players to watch at Wimbledon 2025.
