Tennis enthusiasts are anticipating the performance of Britain`s hopefuls at Wimbledon this year. Jack Draper, ranked World No. 4 and aged 23, seen as a strong contender for the title, is among them. On the women`s side, 22-year-old Emma Raducanu, a former US Open champion, aims for a deep run after regaining form.
This year, there are 23 British players in the singles draws – 13 men and 10 women – the highest number since 1984. Here is a guide to some key players to watch as the tournament begins on Monday.
Hannah Klugman, 16 – GB No. 17, World No. 577
Rising star Hannah will feel right at home, as her family resides in Wimbledon village, close to the All England Club. She excelled in various sports before focusing on tennis after the Covid pandemic.
At age 14, Hannah chose online GCSE studies over traditional schooling, a decision that paid off as she reached the French Open junior final this month, becoming the first Briton to do so since Michele Tyler in 1976. Experts predict a bright future for her, and she already has experience on grand stages. She is part of an exciting group of young British female players entering the draw.
Katie Boulter, 28 – GB No. 2, World No. 41
Katie Boulter, a fan of Leicester City Football Club, has yet to reach the second week of a Grand Slam tournament, despite being Britain’s No. 2 player. While capable of causing upsets on her best days, experts note her inconsistency at the elite level.
Katie is engaged to Australian World No. 11 Alex de Minaur; they have been dating for approximately three years and share moments from their tournament date nights on social media. Katie famously supported England footballers during the 2018 World Cup. She has faced numerous injuries, including a stress fracture in her back, and values having a partner who understands the demands of professional tennis.
Emma Raducanu, 22 – GB No. 1, World No. 38
Emma Raducanu is one of the most closely watched and famous female athletes globally. As Britain`s top-ranked woman, the entire country will be supporting her during the championships.
Amid rumors of a romance with Spanish World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz (22, five Grand Slam titles, including two Wimbledons), he will likely be following her matches. Can the former US Open winner recapture her winning form following recent promising results? Or will she be affected by the news that the stalker who distressed her in Dubai sought tickets for this year`s Wimbledon but was denied due to enhanced security measures? With security improved, the focus will be on her performance. If she can manage these concerns and stay injury-free, Emma is capable of a deep run in the tournament. Expect plenty of drama.
Jodie Burrage, 26 – GB No. 7, World No. 164
After missing Wimbledon last year due to injury, Jodie Burrage is hoping for better luck this time. A strange incident occurred at the pre-Wimbledon tournament in Eastbourne when her opponent, the reigning Wimbledon ladies champion Barbora Krejcikova, hit a shot through a hole in the net.
Krejcikova sportingly conceded the point, but went on to win the match. Jodie is dating Scots rugby international Ben White, a scrum half for French club Toulon. Jodie mentioned last month that uncertainty regarding Ben`s potential selection for the British Lions tour affected her performance; he was ultimately not selected, so he is expected to be at Wimbledon supporting Jodie.
Jack Draper, 23 – GB No. 1, World No. 4
Considered one of the most sought-after bachelors in tennis, the young, single Jack is a Burberry model whose tennis game is equally impressive. Now at a career-best World No. 4, he is widely predicted to win Wimbledon, possibly this year.
He would be the first English champion since Fred Perry in 1936 and is seen as the potential successor to Scottish star Sir Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon winner who has since retired. A big-serving left-hander, Jack demonstrated his potential by winning the Indian Wells tournament earlier this year and reaching the US Open semi-finals in 2024. A Manchester United fan, he grew up in Ashtead, Surrey, and began playing at Sutton Tennis and Squash Club. His striking looks led to him featuring alongside model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in an advertisement for Burberry swimwear.
He is currently not in a relationship, focusing on his career which involves constant travel, training, and playing, making sustained relationships difficult. With significant prize money and endorsements, he represents a desirable catch, but for now, his primary fan at Wimbledon will be his mother Nicky, a former junior tennis talent. His father, Roger, is a former head of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the UK`s tennis governing body, who was notably tasked with finding the country`s next Wimbledon champion. It`s remarked that he didn`t have to look far.
Henry Searle, 19 – GB No. 119, World No. 409
This teenage wildcard from Wolverhampton may have a low world ranking, but he possesses significant form on the Wimbledon grass. Just two years ago, the 6ft 4in Henry became the first British player to win the boys` title since the son of football legend Stanley Matthews in 1962.
Past junior champions include future greats like Bjorn Borg and Ivan Lendl. The left-hander is the son of cricketer Harvey Trump, an off-spin bowler for Somerset, and his first wife Emma. Henry enjoys strong support from a large group of fans and friends who attend his matches, often wearing identical T-shirts and creating a lively atmosphere. He is described as a shy young man but one with the potential to become a major star in the future.
Jacob Fearnley, 23 – GB No. 2, World No. 51
Scottish player Jacob Fearnley is drawing comparisons to fellow Scot and two-time Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray, and his recent results suggest the comparison may be fitting.
He has experienced a remarkable rise to World No. 51, starting the year at No. 664, indicating a strong upward trajectory.
