Wimbledon 2026 is writing new storylines: tournament preview by AfroPari

The grass-court season is the shortest and most unpredictable period of the tennis calendar. The ball bounces so quickly, so there’s almost no time to adjust; the winners are those who rely on aggressive play and aces. Here, major upsets happen more often than on clay or hard courts. Wimbledon 2026, which began on June 29, confirms this.

This year, the suspense is greater than ever: the men’s draw lost one of its favorites after Alcaraz withdrew with a wrist injury; Serena Williams’ return added a new storyline to the women’s draw! Same courts, different stories – following them with AfroPari is more exciting.

Two weeks of top-class tennis await: 128 players in each draw, seven rounds and a record £64,2 million prize fund – Wimbledon again cements its status as this summer’s biggest sporting event.

Men’s draw intrigue

Who will capitalize on Alcaraz’s absence? Top seed Jannik Sinner Wimbledon 2026 remains the favorite; however, this tournament showed that no victory comes easy. In the opening match against Kecmanović, the defending champion was close to an early exit, 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3. Jannik dropped the first set, lost the third-set tiebreak, committed 52 unforced errors, and took an awkward fall before securing a five-set victory after three and a half hours. Slippery grass levels the playing field – being No. 1 guarantees nothing. 

The second seed is Roland Garros champion Zverev. Alexander can only meet Jannik in the final, although the grass-court season isn’t his strongest. The German recently revealed that he suffers from a grass-pollen allergy. Wimbledon remains the only Major where he never advanced beyond the fourth round.

Novak Djokovic, seeded No. 7, secured his 21st first-round victory at Wimbledon, defeating Wu (6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4). But even the legendary Nole had a tough time: he lost the second set and saved six break points in the fourth.

Every favorite has to fight for a spot in the next round, and the best way to assess their chances is Wimbledon 2026 odds on AfroPari.

Cherchez la femme! / Women’s draw drama

The women’s draw offers an equally intriguing storyline – the great Serena Williams received a wild card and returned at age 44! Wimbledon 2026 women’s predictions will be even more exciting! With seven Wimbledon titles, she is the toughest opponent reigning champion Świątek could face. Iga has had an inconsistent season, so for the favorite, Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s No. 1, this will be a chance to fill her career’s biggest gap and claim the title she missed out on in last year’s final. 

While some favorites teeter on the brink of elimination, others begin to hit their stride, giving fans exactly the Wimbledon they were hoping for – unpredictable and packed with upsets. Adding to the tournament’s atmosphere is AfroPari’s special promo – Big Slam, Big Returns! You can receive up to 75% cashback on bets placed on the London tennis tournament, with a max of $102!

Who will lift the trophy on Centre Court? Make your pick!