Wimbledon Men's Singles Preview – CopyBet
Jannik Sinner is the top seed at Wimbledon this year, but second seed and All England Club defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is the likelier victor, especially after fighting back from two sets down to deny the Italian and world number one in the French Open final recently.
However, there may be one or two in the top half of the draw who could upset Sinner and legendary veteran Novak Djokovic and may possibly make life tough for Alcaraz in the final, so punters should keep an open mind regarding a surprise finalist from that section.
Chief among such dangers could be Britain’s big hope Jack Draper and it’s just possible that the fourth seed may be ready to state his case in his home Grand Slam tournament.
Tip 1: The jury is still very much out over Draper’s ability to reach the top, but the Briton has every chance of growing to become an even better player than he is currently.
Draper was triumphant in the Indian Wells Masters in March, when he deservedly beat world number two Alcaraz in the semi-finals before denying Holger Rune in the final.
Although Alcaraz is good enough to win a wealth of major titles in his career, Draper is certainly one player who might block his path now and then.
The Surrey native has a fine temperament but his big advantage is an excellent physique which affords him plenty of power on court.
It’s still open to question if grass is or will become his favourite surface, but Draper is looking versatile and adept on any terrain at this early stage of his professional career, so it’s no wonder that the oddsmakers reckon he could soon become a major force on the nippy green courts.
Draper is in the tougher-looking top half of the draw and after a winnable opener against Argentina Sebastian Baez, he may have to find a way past 2017 Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic, in-form Alexander Bublik, Miami Masters champion Jakub Mensik and seven-time grass king Djokovic before a possible semi-final date with top seed Sinner.
But if the 23-year-old Briton gets on a run, he could take a good deal of derailing - and he has already shown he can upset Alcaraz on a fast court.
Tip 2: But, of course, if Draper was to come up short, then the likeliest winner is the player who has benefited most from the draw, reigning champion Alcaraz who is looking to be crowned grass-court king for the third year running.
Alcaraz has looked supreme on grass in recent seasons so it’s no surprise to see that when Djokovic and Draper both found themselves in Sinner’s half of the draw this year, the support would come in for the brilliant Spaniard.
Take a few moments to look at who in the bottom half could pose a threat to Alcaraz reaching the final. Three viable names could be fifth seed Taylor Fritz, ninth seed Daniil Medvedev and 12th seed Frances Tiafoe.
All are decent sorts who may offer slightly better value than their prices suggest, but getting past Alcaraz is another thing and the brilliant Murcian looks booked for another Slam final appearance at least.
18+. UK residents only. Tennis betting tips are for entertainment purposes only and reflect the author's opinion.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change. No guarantees of outcomes. Please gamble responsibly.
Support available at BeGambleAware.org, GamCare.org.uk, and GAMSTOP.co.uk. T&Cs apply.