2022 Wimbledon Men’s Tennis: Who are the Contenders?

When the ATP and WTA stripped the Wimbledon Championships of their ranking points this year, in reaction to the organization’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players, there was a legitimate concern that the Wimbledon men’s tennis line-up would be devoid of some of the game’s glittering stars.

Happily, that’s not the case. Most of the top players will be descending on the All England Club in less than two weeks, including defending champion Novak Djokovic and 22-grand slam champion Rafael Nadal.

So, with the Wimbledon line-up taking shape and the tennis betting odds heating up, we preview the current serving of Wimbledon outrights and offer up some way too early thoughts.

Who are the Contenders at the Wimbledon Championships?

Djokovic -125

Defending champion Novak Djokovic is motivated to win a seventh Wimbledon title this year and as far as the Wimbledon men’s tennis odds are concerned, he’s the player to beat.

The former World No.1 started the year level with Rafael Nadal on 20 grand slam titles, but he’s now two behind Nadal after the formidable Spaniard picked up the Australian Open and the French Open this year.

There are only two more slams left on the 2022 ATP calendar – the Wimbledon Championships and the US Open. As things currently stand, it’s not certain whether the unvaccinated Serbian will be allowed to compete in any U.S. tennis tournaments or at Flushing Meadows. The Serbian is in doubt due to ongoing Covid-19 rules.

Thus, the Wimbledon Championships represent Djokovic’s only chance to close the gap on Nadal.

Nadal +600

Rafael Nadal capped off another triumphant stint in the French capital, clinching his 14th overall French Open title and record-setting 22nd grand slam title earlier this month.

The 36-year-old Spaniard will look to keep his formidable form at the grand slam level going when the ATP Tour descends on the Wimbledon Championships later this month. With the first two slams in the bag, Nadal is in a position to win the calendar Grand Slam.

By the Wimbledon men’s tennis odds, books rate Nadal’s chances. Whether his odds are representative of the reality is another matter. Wimbledon hasn’t been kind to Nadal in recent years. To boot, his issues with an ongoing foot issue is a worry.

Berrettini +700

Outside of Djokovic and Nadal, Italy’s Matteo Berrettini is the next best bet at +700 with multiple top sportsbooks. The Italian missed the entire clay-court swing due to injury, but he returned last week to the grass portion of the season with a bang.

Berrettini picked up his first title of the season in Stuttgart, beating Andy Murray in a three-set marathon final. He’s competing this week at the Queen’s club, where he’s through to the semifinals.

Berrettini finished runner-up to Djokovic at last year’s Wimbledon Championships. If he keeps up this form, he’s a tempting bet to consider for your Wimby tennis picks.

Auger-Aliassime +1000

Canadian Auger-Aliassime underscored his grasscourt prowess when he upset Roger Federer in Halle last season. He then went on to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals before losing to Berrettini. Along the way, he took down Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev.

Aliassime is one of the young talents on the ATP Tour that is developing steadily and growing in confidence from season to season. He was the only player to give Nadal a run for his money at this year’s French Open when he took the Spaniard to five sets.

Sleeper picks – Tsitsipas, Kyrgios, and Hurkacz

Stefanos Tsitsipas (+1000), Nick Kyrgios (+2000), and Hubert Hurkacz (+2000) are three players that practically leap off the page as sleeper picks.

Tsitsipas might not be the most natural player on grass, but he’s one of the best players on the ATP Tour right now. He’s consistent and a true competitor. One can’t overlook the Greek as a result.

Kyrgios is mercurial, unpredictable, and blows hot and cold from tournament to tournament. One thing about the Australian that is undeniable is his grass-court prowess. He is easily one of the best grass court players on the ATP Tour. On a good day, he can beat the best players.

Hurkacz is one of the most unassuming top players on the ATP Tour. He might not be the most consistent, but when he’s on, he can do some damage.