The world’s best tennis competition is now underway, so it’s time to indulge in plenty of Pimm’s and strawberries and cream because Wimbledon 2017 is set to cause a racket!
There is no doubt that the All England Tennis Club plays host to the most thrilling tennis event of 2017, with Andy Murray attempting to retain his title of champion.
But there are over 100 Athletes that take part each year, with both the men’s and women’s Singles, Juniors, Seniors, Doubles and Wheelchair Tournaments as well – So we have whittled down the list so it’s easier for you to pick who you want to watch out of the Men’s and Women’s single tournaments.
Dominic Thiem
The 23 year old Austrian has been declared as one ‘most talented young players in the world at the moment’ and is currently ranked 8th in the world, with a career-high of the 7th best in the world in 2016. After winnning over the Duchess of Cambridge on the opening day of the tournament, he revelealed that his relaxed nature was due not playing on the opening day, and starting his Wimbledon campaign on the Tuesday instead.
Milos Raonic
Canadian Milos Raonic turned professional in 2008 and since then has achieved a career-high of being ranked 3rd in the world and is currently ranked 7th. Raonic prides himself on ‘never leaving a stone unturned’ and was praised by legendary Roger Federer for his commitment and dedication. His forehand shots are his main weapon in his arsenal with his defensive shots rapidly improving.
Johanna Konta
Other than Murray, Johanna Konta is another home-grown favourite set to cause a storm at the iconic SW19 tournament. The Australian-born Brit beat Croatia’s Donna Vekic 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 10-8 in a thrilling match on Centre Court. Konta said it was “one of the most epic matches I have been a part of.” Winning the match has taken her into the third round of Wimbledon for the first time ever.
However, it has not been an easy ride to the tournament, as Konta fell during a match in Eastbourne just days prior to Wimbledon starting and was at risk of missing the tournament altogether.
Petra Kvitova
Kvitova started her Wimbledon campaign with a comfortable straight-set win, but again, her journey to the tournament hasn’t always been so easy. After obtaining serious injuries from an intruder in her home in the Czech Republic and was told it was unlikely she would play tennis competitively again. The match closed with rousing applause, which clearly moved Kvitova, who is firmly on the right track for a third women’s title.