Former WTA ace names only man she sees stopping Novak Djokovic from winning Wimbledon

Eurosport analyst and former WTA ace Barbara Rittner has named Matteo Berrettini as the man most likely to stop Novak Djokovic winning Wimbledon.

Berrettini was defeated by Djokovic in what was his first Grand Slam final last year at SW19, with the Serbian completely dominating the match.

Wimbledon will have a weakened ATP field this summer, with Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev both banned due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Would-be top seed Alexander Zverev is also missing due to injury, and Rafael Nadal is yet to commit as he waits to see the effects of the latest round of treatment on his chronic foot problem.

If Nadal doesn’t make it, that will be four of the top eight players in the world who will not be competing for one reason or another.

Defending champion Djokovic will be, though, and he looked back in Grand Slam-winning shape at the French Open following his tough start to the year.

He will be the overwhelming favourite to successfully defend his title, and Rittner thinks Berrettini playing well is the best chance fans have of seeing a competitive tournament.

Speaking on Eurosport’s Das Gelbe vom Ball Podcast, Rittner said: “I’m thinking especially of someone like Matteo Berrettini, who was already in the [Wimbledon] final last year.

“It’s impressive how he has returned after a three-month injury break.

“If Rafa plays – he hasn’t completely ruled it out yet – then he’s definitely a candidate.

“Otherwise, Novak Djokovic is the player to beat because the Russian players are not in the tournament.”

? Free >> Join our legendary newsletter

? Join >> Receive $700/£600 of tennis gear from the Tennishead CLUB

? Social >> Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube

? Read >> World’s best tennis magazine

? Watch >> How to enjoy ATP/WTA/Slam tennis on TV

? Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted partner