Wimbledon 2026 preview: Jannik Sinner's title defence, Williams sisters' return and more
The 2026 Wimbledon Championships begin on Monday, June 29, and conclude on Sunday, July 12.
The tournament was founded in 1877, making it the oldest Grand Slam event in tennis.
Wimbledon remains one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, renowned for its rich history, traditions and iconic status.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Jack George outlines the key storylines heading into Wimbledon 2026.
Jannik Sinner targets title defence
Jannik Sinner is looking to win back-to-back Wimbledon titles for the first time in his career.
Sinner arrives at Wimbledon following a shock exit from Roland Garros in the Round of 64, where he struggled in the hot conditions.
This means Sinner will be among the few players hoping for cooler weather, as the heat and Carlos Alcaraz have seemingly been his biggest obstacles in recent times.
Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of Wimbledon 2026 due to a lingering right wrist injury, meaning Sinner's chances of successfully defending his title have already improved.
The Italian world number one's campaign begins on June 29 on Centre Court, in keeping with the tradition that the reigning men's champion opens play on the tournament's show court.
The odds favour Sinner, but they did at Roland Garros too.
The decorated Williams sisters return
Two of the most decorated siblings in sporting history return to Wimbledon for the first time since 2022, boasting a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles and 22 Olympic medals.
Both sisters accepted doubles wildcard entries to partner together in the 2026 Wimbledon doubles draw.
Serena Williams also accepted a singles wildcard, allowing her to return to the Wimbledon women's singles draw for the first time since 2022.
Venus Williams, 46, has won five Wimbledon titles, while Serena Williams, 44, has won seven.
The return of these two legends of the sport will likely increase viewership and provide fans with some memorable moments.
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Djokovic aiming for a historic 25th Grand Slam title
Novak Djokovic is widely regarded as the greatest male tennis player of all time, with an incredible 24 Grand Slam titles.
The Serbian legend won 10 of them at the Australian Open, seven at Wimbledon, four at the US Open and three at Roland Garros.
His most recent Grand Slam title came at the US Open in 2023.
Since 2023, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have combined to win nine of the last 10 men's singles Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic will be desperate to capture his 25th Grand Slam title. However, his recent Round of 32 defeat to Joao Fonseca at Roland Garros does not bode well.
Djokovic is undoubtedly entering the latter stages of his career, but he will still have to overcome players such as Alexander Zverev, Sinner and Fonseca if he is to lift another major trophy.
It is a tall order, but writing off Novak Djokovic has rarely been wise.
Wimbledon women's singles title challengers
The 2026 Wimbledon women's singles tournament is set to be highly competitive.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and reigning champion Iga Swiatek will all fancy their chances of lifting the trophy.
That should create a thrilling battle among the game's elite players.
The odds favour Sabalenka, who is currently the world number one. However, she has never won Wimbledon, with her best result being a semi-final appearance.
World number two Rybakina will be confident heading into the tournament after defeating Sabalenka in the 2026 Australian Open final.
Players such as Coco Gauff, Elina Svitolina and recent Roland Garros champion Mirra Andreeva should not be ruled out either.
Wimbledon rarely disappoints, and another exciting women's tournament appears to be on the horizon.
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Britain's chances of Wimbledon success
British fans will be eager to see at least one home player make a deep run at this year's Championships.
The last British singles champion at Wimbledon was Sir Andy Murray in 2016.
Jack Draper, now coached by Murray, is widely considered Britain's best hope of a strong campaign.
Draper has recently recovered from an injury-ravaged 11-month period.
His best Grand Slam result came at the 2024 US Open, where he reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner.
That run demonstrated the level Draper is capable of reaching when fully fit.
Cameron Norrie is another British player hoping to make a deep run.
Fan favourite Emma Raducanu, who has struggled to rediscover her best form since her remarkable 2021 US Open triumph, heads into Wimbledon with a new coach.
Off the back of a strong run in London, where she reached the final, confidence heading into Wimbledon is at an all-time high.
Wimbledon rarely fails to deliver drama, and the 2026 edition looks set to provide plenty of memorable moments.
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