Indian tennis icon Vijay Amritraj has shared his perspectives on the upcoming Wimbledon 2026 tournament, touching upon Serena Williams‘ return to tennis and Novak Djokovic‘s prospects. Amritraj, who reached the quarterfinals of the grass-court Major twice in 1973 and 1981, offered his insights during a media interaction ahead of the tournament, which is set to begin on Monday.
Regarding Serena Williams‘ comeback at the age of 44, Amritraj believes that while her motivation might stem from the joy of playing and wanting her daughters to see her compete, winning a Major at this stage is improbable. He drew an analogy to Muhammad Ali‘s return to boxing, suggesting that time is a significant factor. Amritraj acknowledged Williams’ unparalleled success in tennis, calling her the greatest female player in modern history, but noted the challenge of competing against younger players.
Djokovic’s enduring temperament and Wimbledon hopes
Novak Djokovic, at 39 years old, has arrived at the All England Club to prepare for Wimbledon, aiming for a 25th Grand Slam title. Amritraj highlighted Djokovic’s mental capacity and incredible temperament as key strengths, stating that he is a player one can never bet against, especially when matches become tight. Djokovic’s 2026 season has demonstrated his high level of play, including a run to the Australian Open final where he defeated Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
Despite his age, Djokovic’s ability to maintain his physical condition is crucial, particularly after playing demanding five-set matches. His training sessions at Aorangi Park included practice with Jannik Sinner on Court No 1. Wimbledon, a tournament Djokovic has won seven times, is seen as a likely venue for him to potentially secure another Grand Slam due to the shorter points and reduced physicality of grass-court tennis, which suits his playing style.
Amritraj also addressed the men’s competition more broadly, noting that younger players now feel they have a chance against established champions like Djokovic. However, he emphasized that Djokovic’s consistent presence and mental fortitude set him apart. The absence of Carlos Alcaraz due to a right-wrist injury creates an opportunity for other players, and Djokovic has been drawn into Sinner’s half of the draw, potentially leading to a semi-final encounter.
Women’s tennis: A wide-open field
In women’s tennis, Amritraj observed that the field is quite open, with many players performing at a similar standard since the departure of the Williams sisters. He mentioned Iga Swiatek‘s previous dominant run but noted that currently, it is difficult to pick a clear winner. Aryna Sabalenka was identified as a strong contender on grass, possessing a powerful game and an improved serve, though other players have found ways to challenge her.
Amritraj suggested that upsets are possible in the early stages of the tournament, particularly on grass courts, which require players to adapt. He pointed out that the grass surface today differs from what it was in the past, with less monumental differences compared to clay courts. Players often need a match or two to adjust to the surface, and factors like heat and grass thickness can influence early-stage outcomes.
The discussion also touched upon the tour’s scheduling, with Amritraj noting that top players, as independent contractors, have the flexibility to manage their schedules. They are committed to playing the nine Masters 1000 tournaments on the ATP Tour and the four Grand Slams, totaling 13 tournaments, allowing them to schedule the rest of their year accordingly.
Wimbledon 2026 is scheduled to run from June 29 to July 12.
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Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
