Wimbledon 2024: 4 dark horses for the women's singles title ft. Ons Jabeur
After a thrilling clay court season, the WTA stars are set to light up the Wimbledon Championships in London starting from 1st July. With the defending champion Marketa Vondrousova struggling for form, we could be set for a new champion at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will be leading the charge for a title win in London but there will be other contenders too. Naomi Osaka impressed on her comeback at the French Open and will be keen to continue her good form.
Along with these top stars, there are other WTA players who are in-form and could challenge for the Wimbledon crown. Here is a list of four dark horses who could be set to clinch their first-ever Wimbledon title.
#4. Danielle Collins
Danielle Collins is enjoying great success on her retirement tour. The American ace is set to retire at the end of the season and will be keen to add a Grand Slam to her trophy cabinet before the end of the season.
Collins won back-to-back titles in Miami and Charleston before the French Open but failed to deliver in Paris. Now, with one last shot at a title at SW19, the 30-year-old will be eager for some success.
Collins has a game that suits the requirements of the grass court. She has a big forehand and uses the court well to win points. All these skills will be essential if Collins is to challenge for the Wimbledon title.
#3. Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur has had a poor season so far in 2024 by her high standards, but the Tunisian enjoys playing at Wimbledon. Jabeur reached the final of the Wimbledon Championships last year but fell at the last hurdle.
Jabeur's incredible Wimbledon run last year included victories against Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka. The Tunisian even defeated former Grand Slam winner Petra Kvitova en route to the final.
Now, with another potential shot at the title, Jabeur will be keen to mount another impressive run and go one step ahead than she managed last year.
#2. Mirra Andreeva
The Russian teenage sensation, Mirra Andreeva has taken the tennis world by storm. The 17-year-old reached the semi-final of the French Open for the first time in her career, impressing fans and pundits alike.
Throughout her short career, Andreeva has impressed with her mental strength. Her strong mentality and belief were on display during her French Open quarterfinal win against Aryna Sabalenka. The Russian came back from a set down to defeat the then-World No. 2 in a thrilling match.
Now, with Wimbledon coming up, Andreeva will be keen to create more history and follow in the footsteps of her idol, Maria Sharapova, with a title win as a teenager at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
#1. Jasmine Paolini
Jasmine Paolini was one of the most in-form players throughout last year. The Italian stunned the tennis world by reaching the French Open final. However, she came up short against the World No. 1 Iga Swiatek.
Paolini has already won a title this year in the form of the Dubai WTA 1000. The Italian's rapid rise is visible in her rankings, as she has jumped over 20 spots in the last six months to find herself as the World No. 7 before Wimbledon.
Paolini has shown incredible improvement in form and could be the player to watch out for at the Wimbledon 2024. With a French Open final already under her belt, the Italian will aim for more success at Wimbledon.