After a 2020 without Wimbledon, the tournament returns in 2021. Unlike the men though, the women’s draw will be an entire mess again. Is it parity or lack of talent at the top of women’s tennis? I’ll give the women’s tour the benefit of the doubt and call it parity. The main storyline on the women’s draw will again focus on Serena tying Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. I don’t foresee that storyline going into the second week because I believe Serena will lose early on. If we go under the assumption that women’s tennis is deep, this means she’ll run into a solid top 30 players in the second or third round, and that will be it for Serena. However, anything is possible nowadays, and it is entirely possible she goes on a run. That being said, it’s entirely possible Bianca Andreescu goes on a run as well. Let’s not forget past champions Petra Kvitová and Garbine Muguruza either. All are good players and have the potential to win the tournament.

Let’s take a look at my favorites:

Garbine Muguruza (12)

Muguruza gets the nod simply because she is a past champion. Also, she posted some solid results on fast courts earlier in the year reaching back-to-back finals at Qatar and Dubai. She’s got the big serve and the big strokes. If she gets into the second week, anything is possible.

Petra Kvitová (11)

Kvitová, like Muguruza is a past champion. Also, like Muguruza, she had a great hard-court swing at the beginning of the year, winning Dubai. She’s always dangerous on grass but has underperformed in the last few years. Her lefty game is well suited for the surface and can go on a hot streak. If she does go on a hot streak, lookout.

Serena Williams (7)

All eyes will be on Serena. She’ll need to serve perfectly and control the middle of the court if she’s to win her 24th Grand Slam. If there’s a Grand Slam out there where she has a shot, it’s Wimbledon. She needs to get through the first week though, and historically, that has been an issue with Serena.

Bianca Andreescu (6)

An injury-free Andreescu becomes an immediate favorite to win this tournament. That is of course if she doesn’t get injured during the tournament. Andreescu is injury-prone and does not have a lot of match play in the last few months. She has shown she can win big tournaments though. Wimbledon will be no exception.

Simona Halep (3)

Our defending champion will be back at full health. She will step onto Centre Court without a grass-court tune-up, but that won’t matter. Halep’s intensity will be enough to get her into the second week. From there, it will be a toss-up!

Ashleigh Barty (1)

Barty’s game is almost designed for Wimbledon. Her beautiful touch and slice backhands combined with her court vision are power tools on this surface. If she’s at full health, she will be the overwhelming favorite alongside a healthy Andreescu.

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