The 2026 Wimbledon draw has been completed, setting the stage for two weeks of high-stakes tennis at the All England Club. British No. 1 Emma Raducanu faces a challenging opener against Antonia Ruzic, while Serena Williams returns to SW19 via a wildcard. Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek headline the men's and women's singles draws, respectively.
Raducanu's Path and British Hopes
Emma Raducanu, who reached the final at Queen's Club earlier this month, will begin her Wimbledon campaign against Croatian qualifier Antonia Ruzic. Raducanu is defending third-round points from last year and has been managing a reported injury since her Queen's run. The 2021 US Open champion will need to overcome both her opponent and fitness concerns to advance deep into the tournament.
According to tournament officials, Raducanu's draw could open up if she wins her early matches, but the path remains treacherous with several seeded players lurking in her quarter.
Serena Williams Returns
Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, has been awarded a wildcard for her return to Wimbledon after retiring in 2022. The 44-year-old announced her comeback earlier this year and will be a major draw for fans. Her first-round opponent has not yet been determined, as the full women's singles draw lists her as TBD.
Williams' inclusion adds star power to a women's field already featuring world No. 1 Iga Swiatek and second seed Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek, the reigning champion, has struggled on grass this season, losing her only warm-up match. Sabalenka, who lost to Raducanu in last year's third round, is seeking her first Wimbledon title.
Men's Draw: Sinner and Alcaraz Absent
On the men's side, defending champion Jannik Sinner is aiming to rebound from a disappointing second-round exit at the French Open. The Italian world No. 1 will face a qualifier in his opening match, as the men's singles draw is yet to be fully announced.
Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time Wimbledon champion, will miss the tournament due to a wrist injury. His absence opens the door for other contenders, including Novak Djokovic, who recently withdrew from a warm-up event but is expected to compete. Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon winner, is seeded second and could meet Sinner in the final.
Key Storylines and Schedule
The Championships begin on Monday, June 29, with first-round matches across both singles draws. British hopes also rest on men's No. 1 Cameron Norrie, who is seeded 12th, and wildcard recipient Andy Murray, who is playing in his final Wimbledon before retirement.
According to the All England Club, full schedules and order of play will be released 24 hours in advance. Fans can expect a thrilling fortnight of tennis, with several storylines including Raducanu's injury recovery, Serena's return, and Sinner's quest to defend his title.
