NEWS
(Watch) Iga Swiatek returns to action ahead of 2024 Wimbledon
Swiatek lost her last match at the 2024 Stuttgart Open against Elena Rybakina earlier this year, in April. Since then, the Polish tennis star is currently on a 19-match unbeaten streak on the tour. Moreover, she has made a significant difference in the WTA rankings.
The Polish tennis star is a five-time Grand Slam champion, and she’s looking confident ahead of the 2024 Wimbledon as well as the Paris Olympics. However, she decided to miss the WTA 500 events this season and directly participate at Wimbledon.
The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Wimbledon recently shared a video clip of the Polish tennis star practicing on grass. Defending men’s singles champion Carlos Alcaraz can also be seen practicing in the same video. Here is the video:
Swiatek reached the quarterfinals during the last edition of the Wimbledon Championships. She was beaten by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2. However, this year’s grass court Major isn’t looking as stacked and compact as last year.
Defending champion Marketa Vondrousova suffered a leg injury during her second-round match against Anna Kalinskaya at the Berlin Ladies Open last week. Additionally, Elena Rybakina withdrew from the same tournament after she wasn’t able to continue due to an illness.
The WTA World No. #4 has already missed the Indian Wells Masters and the Italian Open due to illness. However, she arrived in London prior to the Grand Slam. Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur also suffered from an illness, eventually leading her to withdraw from the Berlin Ladies Open.
In addition to these three names, Aryna Sabalenka also retired halfway through the competition due to shoulder pain. Sabalenka was later spotted enjoying time with her close friends. However, the Belarusian also had a difficult time in the quarterfinals of the 2024 French Open, where she lost to Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva in three sets.
Nevertheless, all tennis enthusiasts hope that all stars will be fine to play at the Wimbledon Championships.