With Simona Halep, the defending champion, set to miss the event, we explore the possible contenders and predictions for the women’s singles in Wimbledon 2021
The Women’s draw of Wimbledon 2021 is as intriguing as men’s. Since Women’s events only have three sets, there is more intensity and competitiveness involved. There are limited opportunities of storming back into the contest after losing the first set. Hence, it involves staying on point from the get-go. We have complied the Wimbledon 2021 Predictions.
The ongoing event has already seen some close games as even unseeded players and qualifiers have taken the favourites to the limits. Along with that, we also witnessed Serena Williams, a strong contender, forced to retire in the first round due to injury. Hence, it would be exciting to see if any underdog springs a surprise.
Wimbledon 2021 Women’s Singles Predictions
Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek is one of the most improved Tennis players in recent times. At the tender age of 20, she has made significant strides, notably being the youngest player to reach the top 10 of the WTA rankings. In 2020, Swiatek became the first Polish player to win a grand slam title by winning the French Open.
But the Pole was unsuccessful in her title defence, losing to Maria Sakkari in the quarter-finals. Though Iga Swiatek had not gain the required momentum before Wimbledon this year, she overcame Hsieh-Su-Wei in the first round. As one of the top-notch players today, Swiatek could go the distance this time.
Ashleigh Barty
World number one Ashleigh Barty was unfortunate enough to withdraw from the French Open this year due to a hip injury. But Ashleigh Barty started her preparations for Wimbledon 2021 by participating in the Stuttgart Open, winning the doubles title. As a result, Barty made a winning start to Wimbledon.
The 25-year old beat Carla Suarez Navarro 6-1, 6-7, and 6-1 in the first round and will face the Russian Anna Blinkova in the second. Even though Barty’s record in Wimbledon is underwhelming, her best result being reaching the fourth round, expectations would be high. Her convincing win in the first round hints she is up for the challenge.
Barbora Krejzicova
Barbora Krejzicova surprised one and all, shattering a plethora of records to win the Roland Garros this year. Barbora Krejzicova became the first Czech Republic woman in 40 years to lift the French Open title. Krejzicova was also the third unseeded player in five years to win the crown.
The 25-year old showed incredible resilience against first Maria Sakkari in the semi-final and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final. Even after losing the second set 2-6 in the decider, she fought back to win the final set 6-4. The third grand slam of the year could also see Krejzicova spring some surprises and create some upsets.
Recommended: Sports Physiotherapy Courses
Aryna Sabalenka
Aryna Sabalenka is yet another player who made a winning start by beating Monica Niculescu. Aryna Sabalenka made light work of their opponent, beating Niculescu 1-6 and 4-6. The Belarusian is currently playing United Kingdom’s Katie Boulter in the second round.
With Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep skipping the event, there would be an increased expectation from the 23-year old. But Sabalenka, who has offensive gameplay, has the chance of committing too many unforced errors. Hence, she needs to tone that down.
Sofia Kenin
Like Iga Swiatek, Sofia Kenin is another youngster to take rapid strides and is currently ranked number four in the world. Sofia Kenin won the Australian Open in 2020 and lost to Iga Swiatek at the French Open later that year. The Russian is currently the WTA player of the year.
But Kenin has struggled in recent times, notably crashing out of the 2021 Roland Garros in the fourth round. But the 22-year old started Wimbledon 2021 with a victory over Xin Wang in straight sets. Kenin should also cross the four rounds, for all her superior abilities. The expectation would undoubtedly be high as she is amongst the top five players.