NEW DELHI: Like Wimbledon 2026 approaches, Indian multiplies veteran Rohan Bopanna has named defending champion Jannik Sinner and Elena Rybakina as favorites to win the men’s and women’s titles. Despite calling the game very competitive, the 46-year-old backed Sinner to retain her crown and believes former champion Rybakina has what it takes to come out on top in the women’s competition.“That’s a very difficult question; the field is very open. But I have to go with the defending champion Jannik Sinner in the men’s race. Among the women, I would choose Elena Rybakina,” Bopanna told JioStar.Apart from sharing his predictions, Bopanna also spoke about his connection with Wimbledon, saying that the tournament has been a dream since childhood.“Wimbledon is a magical dream because I grew up watching the same thing. At home, we only watched Wimbledon. In fact, the television only shows Wimbledon. So, to go there and not be there and play on those courts was really amazing,” added Bopanna.“I also played at a time when three of the greatest tennis players of our generation, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadaland Novak Djokoviche was competing. Sharing lockers and just being there was better than a dream. “This year’s competition promises many shows. Novak Djokovic is chasing a record 25 Grand Slam titles and an eighth Wimbledon crown, with the likes of Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper among the contenders.The women’s tournament was wide open after six winners exited the last six Grand Slams. Iga Swiatek returns with the hope that she will be the first woman since Serena Williams to successfully defend the Wimbledon title, while Serena, who has also received a wildcard in the signs after her return to the tennis tournament, is Venus Williams they have been set up for double reconnection.
