In the absence of Alexander Zverev, former Davis Cup captain Patrik Kühnen sees world number three Novak Djokovic as the top title contender in the grass classic in Wimbledon.
“Andrii Medvedev is not allowed to play, unfortunately Zverev is injured – that’s why Djokovic, with his experience, is the big favorite for the title,” Kühnen told the German Press Agency about the defending champion before the start of the tournament.
In addition to six-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic, French Open winner Rafael Nadal and last year’s finalist Matteo Berrettini, the Sky expert also has British veteran Andy Murray on the bill. “He’s very much focused on the grass season and with the fans behind him he’s definitely good for a surprise,” said Kühnen about the 35-year-old winner of 2013 and 2016.
After his serious foot injury and an operation, world number two Zverev is injured at the third Grand Slam tournament of the year (June 27 – July 10). Due to the ban on Russian and Belarusian professionals because of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, Medvedev, who is currently in the top position, is not there either.
From Kühnen’s point of view, there is no way around the world number one Iga Swiatek for the women, even if the Pole is not a typical grass player. “You can build a small bridge to Nadal – he used to have his best game on clay and still won Wimbledon,” said the 56-year-old. Swiatek is unbeaten in 35 games and most recently won the French Open.
Angelique Kerber, winner of 2018, also believes that Kühnen is capable of a strong tournament on her favorite surface. “She has an interesting role: Even if she is a multiple Grand Slam winner, she is not the focus of the favorites – maybe it’s good for her that she can play freely,” he said.