It's finally the time that tennis fans all over the world wait all year for: Wimbledon. When the end of June rolls around, the world's best flock to the famed All England Lawn and Tennis Center outside of London to commence in the storied tradition that is Wimbledon. Players clothed in all white provide the perfect contrast to the vibrant, green grass courts. They duke it out for two weeks in hopes of raising that perfect, golden trophy, likely while dignitaries, celebrities, and even royalty watch it happen from the stands. Each winner is remembered in the history books for accomplishing what every player aspires to but likely never achieves. To put it in simpler terms, this is the Super Bowl of tennis. But just who will walk away with the Lombardi trophy? Time to break it down.
Women's Draw
Likely Winner: Serena Williams
Serena Williams has more than proven herself as the best woman in tennis. She is the defending Wimbledon champion, and despite falling just short of the title at the French Open a few weeks ago, Serena is famous for her ability to bounce back and come out fighting. Much like how she won her 21 Major titles, her serve will be the driving force that will propel her through to the final, where her fighting spirit and competitive nature will take over for her to successfully defend her title.
Don't Count Out: Garbine Muguruza, Agneiszka Radwanska
If there's one woman who knows what it's like to beat Serena against the odds, it's young gun Garbine Muguruza. The 21-year-old Spaniard has come out on top against Serena twice at the French Open, including her victory a few weeks ago to claim her first Grand Slam title. She also has the experience of playing in a Wimbledon final--she fell to Serena in the final last year. Also not to be counted out is Agneiszka Radwanska. She has ranked consistently among the top ten and has plenty of experience later round matches--she was Wimbledon finalist in 2012 and has been a semifinalist two of the last three years.
Dark Horse: Simona Halep
Halep had a disappointing Wimbledon last year, where she was knocked out in the first round, but just one year prior she was in the semifinals. She will look to win her first Grand Slam title in London.
Men's Draw
Likely Winner: Novak Djokovic
Like Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic is going to be one tough man to beat. He comes into Wimbledon as the defending champ of not one, not two, but all four of tennis' Grand Slam tournaments. Djokovic is looking to add a third Wimbledon title to his collection, and has been selected as this year's top seed in the draw. His all-around consistency and physicality gives him a major advantage, but it's his return game where he truly shines and allows him to dictate play.
Don't Count Out: Andy Murray, Roger Federer
It would be foolish to dismiss Andy Murray and Roger Federer from the running. Murray won the title in 2013 and since he hails from the U.K., he has the support of the home crowd. Federer is a seven-time Wimbledon champ, and was denied an eighth title last year, falling to Djokovic in the final match. He is always a crowd favorite, and as he gets older the crowd amps up the support even more. He is at home when he is on a grass court, especially at Wimbledon, and truthfully, he could be considered a likely contender until the day he walks away from tennis entirely.
Dark Horse: Nick Kyrgios
The 21-year-old Australian made his name known in his Wimbledon debut in 2014 when he upset the then world no. one Rafael Nadal. His powerful serve and ability to get the crowd into it give him an advantage in matches, though his on-court behavior and conduct has been criticized. Should he keep his cool, he can be a man to look out for.
