Carlos Alcaraz is heading to Wimbledon as favoured as he has arguably ever been to retain his crown.
After all, the 22-year-old is seeking to win his third straight title at the All-England Club, having claimed last year’s at a canter.
What he managed to conjure up on grass is at times otherworldly, and there seems to be nobody on tour who even comes close to being able to challenge him.
That being said, upsets are always possible. Here are three stars, aside from Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, who might have it in them to do the impossible.
Jack Draper has a history of beating Carlos Alcaraz
Jack Draper snuck into the fourth seed spot with his run at Queen’s, meaning he will now not be able to face Carlos Alcaraz until at least the semi-final.
However, should they meet, it must mean that the British number one is enjoying a miraculous run and will thus be brimming with confidence.
The 23-year-old has troubled Alcaraz in the past too, delivering the Spaniard one of just three career losses he has suffered on grass. Not to mention that Draper actually beat him at Indian Wells earlier this year on his way to a maiden Masters 1000 title.
With a huge serve and ever-improving physicality, Draper will definitely be a threat to Alcaraz should they meet. Hopefully he has recovered from his bout of illness though.
Alexander Bublik is finding form ahead of Wimbledon
More of a wild card option, but Alexander Bublik has the tools to beat anyone on the ATP tour should he be focused and in form.
And, after a stellar run to the Roland Garros quarter-finals, and another title in Halle too, he is certainly the latter.
With a frightening serve but the deftest of touches, his unique brand could disrupt Alcaraz’s flow on grass, pushing the ball beyond him before he can start dictating points.
It might be unlikely, but it’s certainly possible that Bublik could trouble the five-time Grand Slam champion.
Ben Shelton could break through at Wimbledon
Although the American has already enjoyed a handful of impressive showings at Grand Slam events, this Wimbledon could be the first where Ben Shelton really breaks through and makes it to a final, or beyond.
After all, he does boast a tendency to show up for the big occasion, making his disappointing shock defeats in the lead-up to majors all the more confusing.
However, with a game tailor-made for grass-court tennis, and an unorthodox left-handed style that could unsettle even Alcaraz, there’s potential that Shelton might be able to upset the reigning champion.
Especially given he stole a set from the Spaniard at Roland Garros during their fourth-round match, on a surface that does not favour the 21-year-old.
It’s ironic that Alcaraz made a prediction about Shelton’s future after their match earlier this month, which could now translate to grass should the US Open semi-finalist beat him at Wimbledon.
