The only former champions in this year’s Wimbledon draw are Elena Rybakina, Petra Kvitova, and Venus Williams. With Rybakina recovering from a viral illness and Kvitova’s and Williams’ last victories coming 9 and 15 years ago, respectively, this draw feels wide open. First Quarter Iga Swiatek showed encouraging signs this week, making semis in Eastbourne, before pulling out with a fever. She’s also been blessed by the draw, with most of the bookies’ favourites landing in the other half, particularly the deadly third quarter. Only one of the bookies’ top-ten pre-draw picks is in her half, Coco Gauff. Plus Swiatek should be motivated to keep her #1 ranking: her run of 67 weeks on top might end if she doesn’t make the final and Sabalenka does. It’s already the 13 th longest #1 streak in WTA history. However, there’s still the question of her grass court pedigree. It’s not long and her loss to Cornet in last year’s fourth roun...
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