Who has what it takes to walk away as the 2016 Wimbledon champion? It’s a clear question with unclear answers. If the first week of the tournament is any indication, just about any player in the draw could find themselves in a position to take home the hardware. Early-round play gave fans the gift of tight matches, thrilling upsets, and a strong sense that this year’s tournament, which thrives on tradition, could see anything but the ordinary happen.
Exhibit A: The Cinderella story that is Great Britain’s Marcus Willis. The 25-year-old made headlines following his surprise first-round victory over the 54th ranked Ricardas Berankis. Willis was ranked 772, and on the brink of quitting tennis altogether when the world suddenly knew his name. Although his run was short—seven-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer captured a convincing victory over the Brit in the second round—Willis proved that no player in the draw should be counted out or underestimated.
Exhibit B: Garbine Muguruza’s sophomore slump. Pegged as a potential winner, the newly-crowned French Open champion and second seeded woman fell in straight sets to qualifier Jana Cepelova in the second round. The Spaniard fell short of her expectations to make a run at Wimbledon, and cut fans expectations to see her play Serena Williams in a rematch of last year’s final in the process.
And then there’s Exhibit C: The upset that sent shockwaves through SW19. Number one men’s seed, defending champion and heavy favorite Novak Djokovic had his chances of a Wimbledon three-peat slashed when big-serving American Sam Querrey bested him in the third round. His stunning exit marks the earliest Djokovic has lost at Major since the 2009 French Open.
In Djokovic’s absence, the men’s draw appears to be wide open, as fourth seeded Stan Wawrinka was toppled in the second round and fifth seeded Kei Nishikori was forced to retire in his fourth round match due to a calf injury. Former Wimbledon champions Andy Murray and Roger Federer are undoubtedly the two fan-favorites to win the title, but given the drama that has already graced the All England Club this year, it appears anything can happen.
On the women’s side, Serena Williams is looking to equal Steffi Graf with 22 total Grand Slam titles, a feat many believe she will accomplish. But with other Grand Slam champions Angelique Kerber and Serena’s older sister Venus still in the draw, there could be yet another upset waiting to happen.
Whether you’re watching on your couch or courtside, you won’t want to miss a second of the action as the tournament unfolds. Select tickets for Wimbledon 2016 are still available at TicketNetwork.com.
