After a 2020 without Wimbledon, the tournament returns in 2021 to the delight of all fans. The top men will now descend upon the grounds of Wimbledon looking for glory, and for most, looking to dethrone the old guard. Lucky for a new guard that Nadal has decided to withdraw from the tournament, leaving only Federer and Djokovic. That doesn’t make the path to Wimbledon glory any easier though. Although Federer has taken most of the last year and a half to rehab his knee, he’ll still be a favorite. With eight Wimbledon titles to his name, and a finals appearance in 2019, it is rightly deserved. In terms of Djokovic, he’ll be defending his crown and overall he’ll be the favorite to capture his sixth Wimbledon title and tie Federer and Nadal for the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era.

Let’s look at the top seeds, and how they may fare.

Roger Federer (7)

The 2019 finalist will have his work cut out for him at Wimbledon. He’ll struggle in the first week due to his lack of match fitness. He played just two grass-court matches as his preparation for Wimbledon, losing in the round of 16 of Halle to Auger-Aliassime in three sets. If Roger can get out of the first week, he’s got a chance at making the final.

Dominic Thiem (4)

Don’t expect much from Thiem. He lost early at the French and has not been in form as of late. Grass is not his favorite surface, and it will be difficult for him to suddenly find a new gear on the grass courts of Wimbledon. Expect a first-week exit from Thiem.

Stefanos Tsitsipas (3)

Tsitsipas bowed out in the first round of Wimbledon in 2019. However, this is not the same Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas has now become a favorite at any Grand Slam he enters, and on any surface. Behind both Federer and Djokovic, Stefanos has a real shot at going deep and capturing the title. He’s hungry, focused, and you get the sense he’s about to breakthrough. Expect a semifinal appearance at the very least.

Daniil Medvedev (2)

Medvedev showed he can play on clay with a deep run at the French Open. Can he show us that his great hard-court game also translates on grass? We all certainly hope so. You would think his deep and flat strokes would be very effective against all opponents on grass. Add to that his monster serve and you have a Wimbledon contender. Can he get his head together for a second-week run? I certainly think so. I expect to see Medvedev in the second week this year.

Novak Djokovic (1)

Djokovic will be the overwhelming favorite. It is almost unthinkable to see Djokovic go down to anyone in a best of five Grand Slam singles match. He’s relentless, never gives up, and can find extra gears late in matches. He will continue his dominance over the ATP Tour. He will capture his 20th Grand Slam title in style. The Djoker will prevail.

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