Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 28

Experts Back Sinner, Sabalenka for Wimbledon as Djokovic Draws +600 Betting Interest

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 28

Experts Back Sinner, Sabalenka for Wimbledon as Djokovic Draws +600 Betting Interest

Q: With top seeds faltering on grass, could a long shot like Naomi Osaka or Donna Vekic capture the women's title?

Yes. In this Wimbledon field, both Naomi Osaka and Donna Vekic are credible long shots, with Vekic looking like the stronger upset threat right now. The case for a surprise champion is real because the women’s draw is unusually open. Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff have all shown uneven grass form or carry draw and confidence questions. That has led analysts to look beyond the top seeds. Osaka has the tools. Experts flagged her at 30-1 because her first-strike tennis and improved serve translate well to grass, and she arrived in strong form after a deep run at Bad Homburg. As a four-time major champion, she also has the temperament for big stages. The caution is that Wimbledon has historically been her weakest Slam, and her Bad Homburg run ended with an ankle injury retirement, which clouds her chances. Vekic’s profile is even more compelling. She just won the Queen’s Club title on grass, beating Emma Raducanu in the final, and she has a proven Wimbledon record as a 2024 semifinalist. Her grass résumé is strong, with multiple finals on the surface, and bettors have noticed her at around +4000. In a tournament where many favorites look vulnerable, her current form and comfort on grass make her a genuine dark horse. So a long-shot winner is plausible. Osaka has the upside if healthy, but Vekic appears the more reliable outsider based on recent results and grass-court pedigree.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 28

Wimbledon opens Monday with expert picks centering on Jannik Sinner in the men’s draw and Aryna Sabalenka in a women’s field several panelists called unusually open.
Sinner drew broad support because Carlos Alcaraz is out injured, his path looks manageable and cooler Week 1 conditions may reduce the heat issues tied to his shock French Open exit.
Sabalenka was the most common women’s pick despite recent stumbles, with analysts citing her No. 1 ranking, major-level consistency and a grass game improved by stronger net play.
Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys emerged as notable alternative women’s picks, while Ben Shelton was flagged as a men’s dark horse thanks to his serve and recent grass form.
Betting tips highlighted Djokovic at +600 and Sinner at -165 on the men’s side, while women’s wagers ranged from Swiatek at +750 to Sabalenka to reach the semifinals at +180.