Brad Gilbert thinks Novak Djokovic is the clear Wimbledon favorite but adds Nick Kyrgios is someone who can make some noise at The All England Club this year. Djokovic, 35, has won the past three Wimbledon editions and overall he has six titles at The Championships.
With Roger Federer past his prime and not competing at Wimbledon, Djokovic has been the clear favorite at Wimbledon in recent years. “I think Djokovic is the clear favorite here. A year ago, I would’ve taken Djokovic versus the field here, but a year later, he hasn’t played as well as 2021.
He is still the best player in the world on grass, but this is not a sure thing by any means. Nadal is coming off an incredible run at the French and is halfway to the calendar Slam. If he gets through the first week, Nadal is definitely in play,” Gilbert said on ESPN.
Gilbert: Djokovic the favorite but keep an eye on Kyrgios
During his pre-tournament press conference, Kyrgios said he feels confident against any player on grass. Also, Kyrgios said he has made some top-10 players “look ordinary” this year.
“Nick Kyrgios is someone to watch here. He is my third favorite as some of the higher seeds are vulnerable on grass. He isn’t so much lesser-known, but lesser-ranked. He has a bomb of a serve and I would not be shocked if he is in the semis or finals,” Gilbert wrote.
When it comes to the women’s side, Gilbert picked Iga Swiatek to win it all. “I am still confident that Swiatek will win, as she is best player in the world. At the French Open, I would’ve taken her versus the entire field, but I’m not as confident here.
I have her as the obvious favorite, but it’s not as clear-cut,” Gilbert explained. Swiatek is a dominant force on hard and clay but she has yet to prove she can play well and win on grass. Swiatek didn’t play any grass tournaments leading up to Wimbledon but many pundits have her as the top Wimbledon favorite.
