Annabel Croft singles out ‘very raw’ talent who could be very ‘dangerous’ at Wimbledon

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Ahead of Wimbledon Annabel Croft has singled out a player that is ‘dangerous’ on grass and could win the title.

The grass court Grand Slam is just days away and the tennis world is keen to see who will shine brightest on the grandest stage.

Some players have taken most of the headlines such as Novak Djokovic, who is aiming to make a miraculous recovery from knee surgery to compete.

All eyes are on Iga Swiatek to see if can translate her clay court form to the grass, but there is another player who is in contention to lift the title.

Who does Annabel Croft think is a threat to win Wimbledon?

While there does not seem to be a clear favourite for the Wimbledon title, Croft has mentioned Aryna Sabalenka as a top contender.

The Belarusian’s powerful and aggressive game is ideal for the quick and slick grass courts, and she has hit more winners than any other WTA player in Grand Slams this season.

In addition to her impressive movement, Croft believes the 26-year-old has what it takes to make a big impression at Wimbledon.

“Sabalenka won her second Australian Open this year and is a real crowd favourite. There’s something very refreshing about her,” she told The Radio Times.

“She plays with immense power and can move forward and volley extremely well. She is a very raw player, the power can get a bit erratic, but I think she is dangerous on grass. I’m a big fan.”

What are Aryna Sabalenka’s best Wimbledon results?

Sabalenka has played at Wimbledon five times in her career and reached the semi-finals on two occasions.

The first came in 2021 and after missing the 2022 event following a ban due to the Ukraine war, she reached the semi-finals in 2023, but was beaten by Ons Jabeur.

If she is to win Wimbledon, the World number three will enter the championships having played just two grass court matches.

After beating Daria Kasatkina in Berlin, Sabalenka retired from her next match against Anna Kalinskaya while trailing 5-1 due to shoulder injury. However, she is now at the All-England Club training to compete next week.