Surprise packages to watch out for at Wimbledon 2022
As Wimbledon 2022 begins the question on many people’s mind is who will be the eventual winner? Will Rafael Nadal claim a 23rd major, to go three clear at the top, and keep hopes of a calendar grand slam alive. Can defending champion Novak Djokovic return to form and make it a fourth Wimbledon’s in succession. Or can grass court specialist Matteo Berrettini go one step further than last year to claim his first slam, and in turn end 18 years of big four dominance at the All England Club. In all likelihood these are the most realistic scenarios of what will transpire over the Wimbledon fortnight. However, sport is unpredictable and there are many in-form players looking to prove this narrative wrong. This article will look at some players who could prove to be dark horses in this years Wimbledon, with the potential to cause some shock losses and make a deep run in this grand slam.
Nick Kyrgios
Hailing himself as the best grass player in the world, Nick Kyrgios, 27, will be going into Wimbledon filled with confidence that he can have a deep run, and send shock waves around the tennis world. The Australian’s devastating serve and monster forehand means that is able to collect plenty of free points, especially on grass, making him a major headache for any opponent. The draw has been fairly kind to Kyrgios, avoiding the quarters with Nadal and Djokovic, making a run into the second week all the more likely. Although a 3rd round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas does loom, but the Aussie will believe he has too much firepower for Tsitsipas on the grass court surface. The real test for Kyrgios though is no opponent, but is his temperament. Breaking rackets and arguing with umpires has been Kyrgios’ biggest downfall and has cost him countless matches. The 27 year old must be sure to keep a cool head if he wants to make a significant impact on this years tournament. If Kyrgios is able to keep the demons at bay there is no reason why he can’t make a deep run in this years tournament, and get his career back on track.
Andy Murray
A fan favourite at SW19, and the only British man to win Wimbledon in the last 80 years, yet Andy Murray is entering this years tournament as an outsider at best. Murray has been had a plagued by a hip injury for the past 5 years and has not managed to recapture the form that saw him twice win the Wimbledon trophy. However, over the past few months there have been many signs of encouragement. Since reuniting with coach Ivan Lendl the Scot has played with more conviction and belief in his game. His form has been improving into the grass court season, which can be seen through his impressive run in Stuttgart where he only narrowly lost in the final to Matteo Berrettini. Murray has the game to be competitive against anyone at Wimbledon, and with the crowed behind him could the Scot be set for a romantic final run?
Hubert Hukacz
The Polish giant sent shock waves around Wimbledon last year, taking out 8 time winner Roger Federer in emphatic style. At 6 foot 5, with a killer serve and an excellent net game, Hurkacz has everything required to be a success at on grass. Arguably on the kindest quarter of the draw Hurkacz has a favourable run, so do not be surprised to find the Pole in the semi-final for the second year in succession. Once the last 4 is reached, anything is possible.
Notable Mentions
Oscar Otte, 28, has enjoyed a fine grass court season thus far. A great run in Halle could only be stopped by world number 1 Daniil Medvedev, and with the Germans unorthodox quick serving motion, Otte will prove a major headache for whatever opponent he faces.
In many ways Maxime Cressy is a blast from the past. The French-American boasts a serve and volley style, which is the perfect game for Wimbledon. Cressy only narrowly lost out at the Eastbourne final in a deciding set tiebreak against Taylor Fritz. However, the main stumbling block that Cressy faces, is that he plays Felix Auger-Aliassime in the first round, but if the American is able to progress, he has every chance of making a deep run.
Former Wimbledon finalist, Marin Cilic, recaptured his form at this year’s french open, reaching the semi-finals. Having already proved his pedigree at Wimbledon the Croatian will be looking to continue his renaissance with a deep run at the All England club. Although standing in his way is a potential 4th round meeting with Rafael Nadal.