Roger Federer is the only one to win eight titles at Wimbledon, no one but him and Björn Borg he didn't manage to tie even five of them, and he only did Margaret Court lifted 24 Grand Slam cups in both women's and men's competition.
He could reach all those records in 13 days Novak Đoković, who as an absolute favorite arrived in London, on the scene 136th unofficial world tennis championship.
The Serbian great became the most successful tennis player of all time at Roland Garros, and now he will try to write new pages in the history of the sport at the tournament where he won 48 of the last 50 matches.
And then, if he succeeds, he would have a chance to do what eluded him in 2021 - to lift the trophies at the four biggest tournaments in the same year, which he did last time Rod Laver in the amateur era back in 1969.
Djokovic is the favorite according to the bookmakers (odds on the title from 1,50 to 1,60), and all his rivals leave that role to him, even the number one tennis player in the world. Carlos Alcaraz.
The young Spaniard won his first grass title in Queens in just his third ATP tournament on that surface, but he is under no illusions that he can threaten the guy who has reigned since 2018.
"I came to Wimbledon with a lot of confidence, convinced that I can achieve good results. But it is obvious that Djokovic is the main favorite. He makes everything look so easy, and it's very hard to find weaknesses in his game. As for me, I am convinced that I will be able to put pressure on all rivals, and even Novak if we reach the final," said the 20-year-old Alkaras, who was defeated by the 16-year-old Belgrader in the semifinals of Roland Garros.
The young Spaniard was defeated in the round of XNUMX last season by Janika Ziner, who led 2:0 in sets against Djokovic in the next matchup, but lost. The Italian of German origin is the third favorite according to bookmakers, with odds of 16 to 27 for the title.
And now Alcarasa should wait for the "mine" in the round of XNUMX Alexander Zverev, while Djokovic could also have a tough rival in that round - Lorenzo Musetti or Hubert Hurkač.
In the quarterfinals, the Serbian ace could have a repeat of last year's final with Nick Kyrgios, and in the semifinals a new duel with Ziner...
Kyrgios has been out for five months after knee surgery and is far from top form.
"Obviously, I'm not ready for five-set matches. Last year I had ideal preparations, now everything is the opposite. "I don't have high expectations, but I won't throw away the effort I've put in over the last six months to get back on the field," the controversial Australian emphasized.
According to tradition, from 14.30:67 p.m., our time, the central court is opened by the champion, and Djokovic will be played by the XNUMXth player on the ATP list, the Argentine Pedro Kacin.
One of the favorites from the shadows, the third seed Daniil Medvedev, believes that the winner of 23 Grand Slams could improve his balance.
"If I saw correctly, Novak played 70 Grand Slams, and in 34 he was in the finals. I don't know how that's possible. He doesn't have a bad day, does he? Of course, he also has them, but even when it's like that, he manages to beat his rival. That's why, for me, he is the best tennis player of all time," said the Russian and noted that he won Novak in the final of the US Open 2021 because of his great edition, but also because of his opponent's tightness in the meeting with history.
After Đoković and Kaćin, the 43-year-old will play on the Central court Venus Williams i Elina Svitoljina, and then Ziner v Juan Manuel Serundola.
They will play on Court 1 from 14 p.m Iga Sfjontek - Lin Zhu, then Kyrgios and David Goffan, and finally Koko Goff i Sofia Kenin.
Bonus video:
