Updated on 06/23/2022 at 12:46 p.m
- The most traditional tennis tournament in the world begins on Monday: Wimbledon.
- The All England Championships are held in South West London.
- A lot is different this year: an overview.
Wimbledon 2022: when does the tournament start?
The oldest tennis tournament in the world. In short: The Championships. Even shorter: Wimbledon. From June 27th to July 10th, the All England Club on London’s Church Road in the SW19 district is all about the prestigious titles and trophies: The Gentlemen’s Cup and the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Which players are not included?
All players from Russia and Belarus are excluded because of the attack on Ukraine, including world number one Daniil Medvedev. The number two for men also misses the classic lawn: Olympic champion Alexander Zverev falls out after tearing his ligaments. Defending champion Ashley Barty has retired. Dominic Thiem, 2020 US Open winner, is concentrating on smaller clay tournaments after his injury. Wimbledon record winner Roger Federer is out due to injury.
What value is left?
Wimbledon is Wimbledon. Even without world ranking points, which were withdrawn from the tournament by the ATP and WTA after the decision against Russians and Belarusians. Even without numbers 1 and 2, without the injured record winner Roger Federer and tennis retiree Barty. After all, Serena Williams is there. The seven-time winner from the USA is making her comeback after a year.
Who are the favourites?
Defending champion Novak Djokovic is aiming for his seventh victory in the lawn Mecca, the Serb would be the number 1 favorite even with more competitors. Rafael Nadal has proven several times that he is capable of miracles despite chronic foot pain. Last year’s finalist, Stuttgart and Queen’s winner Matteo Berrettini from Italy is always strong on grass.
Who are the favourites?
Ash Barty’s successor in terms of playfulness, dominance and mental strength has long been found: Iga Swiatek has not lost in 35 games. It will also be exciting for Barty to see whether the Pole can also demonstrate her superiority on grass. Swiatek did not play a preparatory tournament.
What about the Germans?
Without Zverev, Angelique Kerber remains the only German hope. However, the 2018 winner is capable of a lot on the “Holy Lawn”. Last year she reached the semi-finals on her favorite surface and only lost to the outstanding Barty, this year Kerber’s form curve was already showing upwards on sand.
What’s new?
The 135th edition of Wimbledon breaks with a tradition: For the first time in the history of the tournament, “middle Sunday” is no longer intended as a rest day. So far, Sunday has been declared a game day four times: in 1991, 1997, 2004 and 2016. This year it is firmly planned and thus equalizes the schedule.
Who broadcasts Wimbledon on TV and stream?
From June 27, Sky will be reporting live daily on up to five channels. The pay station announces a total of 350 hours of live tennis. The ex-professionals Patrik Kühnen and Julia Görges are in action as experts. From the quarter-finals onwards, co-commentator is former Wimbledon champion Michael Stich.
Pay please!
The organizers of the All England Club are paying out more prize money this year than ever before: £40.35m, £2m each for the men’s and women’s individual winners. For the first time since 2019, full spectator stands are allowed in all seats.
What else to say…
“For me, Wimbledon is Wimbledon, points or no. I want to feel the flair there, the emotion on the pitch, the energy, the tension, the competition. Anyone who has any doubts about Wimbledon this year has the meaning of the tournament and the sport itself.” (Angelique Kerber in the FAZ interview)
(afp/sap)
Despite his current injury break, Alexander Zverev is better placed in the world rankings than ever before. The tennis Olympic champion climbed to second place for the first time. The new leader is the Russian Daniil Medvedev.
