Wimbledon 2026 blends legends’ returns with uncertain contenders

Wimbledon 2026 will feature a striking mix of returning icons and current stars: Serena Williams is back in singles and doubles with Venus, Andy Murray has joined Jack Draper’s coaching team, and Novak Djokovic is again pursuing a 25th Grand Slam title. The tournament also arrives with Jannik Sinner defending the men’s crown and Aryna Sabalenka trying to reset after disappointment at Roland Garros.

The Williams sisters’ presence gives the event a major legacy storyline, with Serena returning after four years away and Venus adding another chapter to her long history at the All England Club. Murray’s role is different but still prominent, as he returns to Wimbledon as part of Draper’s support team rather than as a player.

For the British field, the outlook appears complicated. Draper has shown encouraging signs by reaching the Eastbourne semi-finals on comeback, but his recent injury interruptions make best-of-five-set tennis a demanding test. Cameron Norrie is the only British men’s seed, while Emma Raducanu withdrew before the tournament because of a stress fracture in her lower right leg.

The global title picture is also unsettled. Sinner is described as the men’s favourite, particularly with Carlos Alcaraz absent, but he has not competed since his French Open exit. On the women’s side, Sabalenka remains world number one, while Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova and Mirra Andreeva are among the names adding depth to a draw that could still produce surprises on grass.