Wimbledon 2025: Alcaraz Eyes Three-Peat, Gauff Seeks Breakthrough as Djokovic Chases History

Just weeks after Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz clinched the French Open titles, the tennis world shifts its gaze to Wimbledon, where both enter as strong contenders.

Alcaraz aims for an unprecedented three-peat at the All England Club. Can he etch his name alongside tennis legends? Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner, hungry for his first Grand Slam title on grass, seeks to avenge his Roland Garros defeat.

Gauff, fresh off her second major victory, eyes a breakthrough at Wimbledon, a tournament where she has yet to surpass the fourth round. The women's field is notably open, with the past eight titles claimed by different players. Will Aryna Sabalenka finally conquer Wimbledon, or will Iga Swiatek rebound to seize the crown?

And what about Novak Djokovic? Can the veteran defy age and secure a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title? Our experts delve into these compelling questions.

How Will Gauff Capitalize on Her French Open Triumph?

D'Arcy Maine: Gauff's arrival at Wimbledon is met with high expectations, fueled by her remarkable breakthrough in 2019. Her confidence is soaring, potentially setting the stage for her best performance at the tournament.

However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. Despite her promising debut, she's never advanced beyond the fourth round. Her recent first-round loss at the Berlin grass-court event underscores the difficulty of the surface.

Moreover, she faces a formidable draw, potentially encountering Dayana Yastremska, former Australian Open champions Victoria Azarenka and Sofia Kenin, grass-court specialist Liudmila Samsonova, and either Iga Swiatek or Elena Rybakina. Overcoming such a gauntlet seems unlikely for Gauff to claim her third major title.

Bill Connelly: Gauff possesses the talent to win any tournament, showcasing elite defense, speed, and resilience. However, her draw is laden with potential pitfalls, and her 9-6 record on grass over the past two years is cause for concern. Historically, she's struggled against top-50 players on grass, with only 7 wins in 16 matches. The prospect of facing three top-50 opponents en route to the quarterfinals presents a significant hurdle.

Simon Cambers: Gauff's Wimbledon campaign could unfold in two distinct ways. She could ride the wave of confidence from her French Open victory or succumb to mental fatigue and suffer an early exit. While the Roland Garros win should bolster her spirits, she didn't always play her best tennis in Paris. On grass, where the game accelerates, any malfunctioning aspect of her game could be quickly exposed.

A strong serve is crucial for Gauff's success. Her exceptional movement and competitive spirit will be assets, but her draw is undeniably tough. Navigating potential matchups against Yastremska, Kenin/Townsend, Kasatkina, and Swiatek/Rybakina will be a demanding task. Reaching the second week would make her a formidable opponent.

Alcaraz vs. Sinner: Who Would Prevail in Another Epic Clash?

Maine: Recent history favors Alcaraz. He's won eight of their twelve encounters, including the last five. Sinner hasn't defeated Alcaraz since 2023, and only once has he beaten him with a title at stake.

Despite Sinner's world No. 1 ranking, Alcaraz appears to be his kryptonite. Alcaraz, the two-time defending Wimbledon champion, is coming off a grass title at Queen's Club. Sinner has only reached the semifinals once at the All England Club. The odds seem stacked in Alcaraz's favor.

Bill Connelly: Alcaraz should hope it's him. He seems to be the favorite in natural-surface Slams (French Open, Wimbledon), while Sinner dominates on hard courts (US Open, Australian Open). The French Open final was incredibly close. Sinner lost by one point, which could have given him a shot at a calendar-year Slam.

Alcaraz is the favorite, given his grass-court prowess. Sinner might have to overcome Djokovic. But Sinner seems to be improving.

Simon Cambers: Alcaraz has a proven track record on grass, despite Sinner's victory over him at Wimbledon in 2022. Sinner's performance depends on his recovery from the Paris defeat. He seems capable of rationalizing it as a step forward, but replicating his best form on grass, a surface that poses challenges for him, might be difficult.

Alcaraz will also be fatigued. He demonstrated his resilience at Queen's. A favorable early draw would allow him to ease into the tournament and gain momentum. If they meet in the final, Alcaraz would have a mental edge due to their Paris encounter.

Can Djokovic Achieve a Grand Slam Record at Wimbledon?

Maine: Yes, he can, but it is not certain. Wimbledon offers his best chance to win his 25th major. His success at the tournament and grass-court expertise are invaluable. His path could be difficult. Encounters with Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner are possible.

Connelly: Alcaraz seems to have surpassed him on grass. He would probably have to beat both Sinner and Alcaraz.

Cambers: It is his best chance. Djokovic performed well against Sinner in the French Open semifinals. Grass provides him with a greater opportunity. His serve is more effective on grass.

His motivation will be high. Another win would give him his 25th Slam. Also, he could equal Roger Federer on eight Wimbledon titles. He would probably have to beat both Sinner and Alcaraz. It is too much.

Which Player Could Emerge as a Surprise Contender?

Maine: Marketa Vondrousova is unseeded. She thrives on grass. She could face Sabalenka in the third round.

Connelly: Gabriel Diallo won at Hertogenbosch. He beat three top-40 opponents. On the women's side, Naomi Osaka might face No. 5 Zheng Qinwen in the second round.

Cambers: Matteo Berrettini has been unlucky with injuries. If he can stay healthy, he is in Zverev's section. A matchup with Fritz would give him a genuine chance of making the last four again.

Which First-Round Matchup is Most Anticipated?

Connelly: Joao Fonseca drew Jacob Fearnley. On the women's side, Sofia Kenin faces Taylor Townsend.

Cambers: Fonseca versus Fearnley. Also, the all-American clash between Kenin and Townsend.

Maine: Alexandra Eala-Barbora Krejcikova is a can't-miss. Petra Kvitova has to play No. 10 seed Emma Navarro. On the men's side, Fonseca-Fearnley could be epic.