Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Jun 27: Carlos Alcaraz will begin his Wimbledon title defence against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini, while world No. 1 Jannik Sinner faces a possible blockbuster semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic, following Friday’s highly anticipated draw.

Alcaraz, riding a 18-match winning streak, is aiming to join legends like Borg, Sampras, Federer and Djokovic as the fifth man to clinch three consecutive Wimbledon titles in the Open Era. The 22-year-old Spaniard boasts a perfect 2-0 record against Fognini.

Sinner, chasing his first Wimbledon crown, opens his campaign against countryman Luca Nardi. Meanwhile, Djokovic, seeded sixth—his lowest since 2018—will kick off his quest for a record-tying eighth title against France’s Alexandre Muller. The Serbian is also slated for a quarter-final clash with local favourite and fourth seed Jack Draper.

On the women’s side, defending champion Barbora Krejcikova returns to Centre Court after an injury-hit season to face rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala. Eala, 20, stunned the tennis world earlier this year by defeating Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek en route to the Miami Open semis.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, eyeing her first Wimbledon final, will meet Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine. French Open champion and second seed Coco Gauff opens against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska.

The grass-court Grand Slam kicks off Monday and will culminate on July 13.