Andy Roddick has been as vocal as ever in the run-up to next week’s Wimbledon, seeking to predict his winner for this iteration of the tournament.
As was the case with the French Open, it promises to be one of the most wide-open draws in recent memory, with no Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and potentially Novak Djokovic.
Whilst the latter is still testing himself ahead of the event, Andy Murray’s injury woes have fuelled speculation of his absence as well.
So, it is not easy for Roddick to pick an outstanding favourite, despite his best efforts.
Andy Roddick predicts Wimbledon 2024
Speaking to Tennis Channel just yesterday, the American pundit sought to comb over the men’s draw for next week’s Wimbledon.
Naturally, the focus was on Jannik Sinner after just winning his first-ever grass-court title, however Roddick was keen to turn to the other frontrunners who might be seeking to upset the new world number one.
He noted: ‘I still say when healthy Novak [Djokovic] is the best grass-court player in the world. I don’t think he gets talked about enough. We like to put people in silos where it’s like Novak hard, Rafa clay, Roger grass, but Novak’s one behind Roger as far as Wimbledon titles.
‘We don’t know, health is a big issue. Because of that, you’re probably putting [Jannik] Sinner and [Carlos] Alcaraz right there as co-favourites for this title.
‘Before this week, Alcaraz was probably the favourite. You can’t coach confidence you have to make it in real-time, and Sinner earned this. His transformation as a player, going from someone 6,7,8 in the world started at Wimbledon last year and then continued in the summer.
‘The movement will become easier at Wimbledon. The fact that he’s moving so well on a court that doesn’t lend itself to moving well should be scary for the rest of the field on top of everything else that he does well.’
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are the ones to beat
Whilst it is hard to bet against his legend, even if he plays, Djokovic will surely be the third favourite behind Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner.
After all, the latter has been the best player on the planet this year, and is the indisputable world number one at the moment.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard is coming fresh off his first Roland Garros title, and is the defending Wimbledon champion, having beaten the 37-year-old in last year’s final.
Since then, Djokovic’s powers have only waned, whilst Alcaraz has become a history-maker. Again.
So, whilst Roddick is right to laud the Serbian, it will be impossible not to bet on Alcaraz and Sinner to maintain their reign of dominance in 2024.
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