Watch: Animated Wimbledon 2022 promo featuring Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Emma Raducanu
After a captivating claycourt season, the focus now shifts to the lush green grass, where we will witness the biggest stars battle it out for the iconic Wimbledon trophy latee this month.
The 2022 Wimbledon Championships will mark 100 years of the iconic Center Court in its current location. It is the sixth largest tennis-specific stadium in the world by capacity and traditionally stages both the women’s and men’s finals as well as all the big matches.
To commemorate the occasion, an animated promo honouring the famous stars and moments from the years gone by was released on Tuesday.
100 years of history. Ready for new chapters.
The Stage Awaits.
#Wimbledon #CentreCourt100 https://t.co/KO4raqm5ab
Titled 'The Stage Awaits', the video, set to the tune of Come Alive by Summer Kennedy, shows three fans as they follow the sport, practice their shots and witness some of the great moments which have taken place at the venue.
Stars like Emma Raducanu, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Serena Williams are depicted in the video, which finishes with a shot of the Center Court and the words “The Stage Awaits.”
The tournament is scheduled to begin on 27 June. While Novak Djokovic will be looking to defend his title and catch up to Rafael Nadal's tally of 22 Grand Slam crowns, the women's draw will see a new champion crowned after last year's winner Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement earlier this year.
How Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and Serena have faired at Wimbledon
There's always history at stake when the top pros battle it out on the biggest stage. Rafael Nadal has now won 22 Major titles, two more than his rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, after his recent French Open triumph. Nadal triumphed at Wimbledon twice - in 2008 and 2010.
The Spaniard has never won the first three Grand Slams in the same year. With the Australian Open and French Open already conquered, he'll be looking to win the Championships and stay in contention for a Calendar Slam.
Djokovic has won the iconic event six times in his career (2011, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021) and the Serb is definitely one of the favourites this year. He'll be looking to get over his disappointing French Open campaign by capturing his seventh Wimbledon title.
The majestic Roger Federer has won a whopping eight Wimbledon titles (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017), making him the most successful men's singles player at the Grand Slam. The Swiss is still recovering from a knee injury and will not participate this year.
Serena Williams is one win away from equalling Australian legend Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slams in the Open Era. The American has won the women's singles trophy seven times in her illustrious career (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016) and the former World No. 1 could return to action at the Championships as a wildcard, although it seems unlikely.
Home favourite Emma Raducanu will also look to have a strong run at SW19 after her inspirational campaign last year. The 19-year-old was forced to retire in her fourth-round clash against Ajla Tomljanovic, citing a stomach ailment that was later clarified as "breathing difficulties".
French Open champion and World No.1 Iga Swiatek will start as the overwhelming favourite in the women's singles event at the Championships.