2024 Wimbledon Men’s Singles Preview: A Battle of Kings and Challengers for thecoveted trophy

The Wimbledon Championships, established in 1877, is the oldest and most prestigious of the four Grand Slam events in tennis and the only one played on grass. The All England Lawn Tennis Club, located in southwest London’s SW19 district, with its lush green lawns, clear blue skies, and flowing white attire, captivates hearts every summer. In June and July, the world’s top male and female players converge here to vie for championship glory. This year’s main draw is set to commence from July 1 to 14, offering a record-breaking £50 million in total prize money, with the singles champions each taking home £2.7 million.

Rolex clock at Wimbledon

Courtesy of Rolex/Chris Trotman

Swiss luxury watchmaker Rolex became the Official Timekeeper of The Championships, Wimbledon, in 1978, marking the beginning of the brand’s long-standing commitment to tennis. In this year’s promotional film “ALWAYS LIKE NEVER BEFORE,” Rolex captures “time” as the central theme, using cutting-edge 3D animation, CGI, and photography techniques to create a freeze-frame effect, showcasing iconic moments from the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s history side by side on Centre Court. The film pays tribute to legends while shining a light on rising stars, celebrating the signature milestones of Wimbledon.

The 2024 Wimbledon men’s singles draw was revealed locally on Friday, with recent French Open champion and new world number one Casper Ruud and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic leading the charge, occupying opposite halves of the draw. Defending champion and Rolex ambassador Carlos Alcaraz competes as the third seed in the 2/4 quarter, while fourth seed Alexander Zverev resides in the 3/4 section. With both seasoned and emerging kings battling on the grass, the race for the Challenge Cup promises to be fiercely competitive!

The upper half of the draw is star-studded, with Ruud and Alcaraz aiming for another showdown

After winning Roland Garros, Ruud became the ATP’s 29th world number one and will make his debut as the top seed at a Grand Slam at Wimbledon. He enters the tournament in fine form, having won his first grass court title at the ATP 500 Halle event. Ruud will face German player Oscar Otte in the opening round, potentially meeting former finalist Matteo Berrettini in the second round and Rolex ambassador and 14th seed Sebastian Korda in a “Rolex derby” in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, he could encounter fifth seed Daniil Medvedev or 10th seed Grigor Dimitrov. Other notable players in this quarter include Chinese stars Zhang Zhizhen and Cheng Junzhang, Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Rolex ambassador Casper Ruud

Courtesy of Rolex/Jon Buckle

Alcaraz, as the defending champion, begins his title defense in the 2/4 quarter, facing Estonian youngster Raul Rajal, who qualified for the main draw, in the first round. Third-round and Round of 16 opponents could be Taylor Fritz and Ugo Humbert, respectively, with eighth seed Casper Ruud or 12th seed Tommy Paul waiting in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz triumphed over Ruud in a thrilling five-set semifinal at Roland Garros before capturing the title, setting the stage for another epic clash between these two young titans if they both reach the semifinals.

The lower half of the draw is loaded with talent, with seven-time champion Djokovic looking to uphold the legacy of the giants

The 3/4 quarter is anchored by fourth seed Zverev and sixth seed Andrey Rublev, joined by 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas and Rolex ambassador and 13th seed Taylor Fritz, along with grass court standout 24th seed Francisco Cerundolo and British hopeful Jack Draper, the 28th seed.

Rolex ambassador Taylor Fritz

Courtesy of Rolex/Jon Buckle

Rolex ambassador Jannik Sinner

Courtesy of Rolex/Jon Buckle

Rublev, whose form has been inconsistent due to various on- and off-court factors, might face Rolex ambassador and 23rd seed Jannik Sinner in the third round, fresh from his Queen’s Club final appearance. Fritz, known for his grass court prowess, reached the 2022 Wimbledon quarterfinals and recently claimed the ATP 250 Eastbourne title. He opens against Maxime Oconnell, with potential third- and fourth-round matches against Cerundolo and Zverev.

Seven-time champion Djokovic, who struggled with knee issues at Roland Garros and underwent a meniscus operation, cast doubt on his participation. However, after a few days of training, he confirmed his presence in the draw, leading the 4/4 quarter. Djokovic starts against a qualifier, Kecmanovic, with 15th seed Holger Rune penciled in for the Round of 16. Rune reached the quarterfinals last year at Wimbledon and opens against South Korea’s Kwon Soon-woo. Seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz and ninth seed Alex de Minaur, both in good form, could meet in the Round of 16, with both eyeing a semifinal spot.

Rolex ambassador Holger Rune

Courtesy of Rolex/Jon Buckle

Injury-plagued Andy Murray also draws attention. After undergoing back surgery following an injury at Queen’s Club, he aims not to miss his final Wimbledon appearance. He’ll face Czech player Jiri Vesely in the singles first round and teams up with his brother Jamie Murray in doubles.

2024 Wimbledon begins next Monday

Courtesy of Rolex/Jon Buckle

As the grass turns green and whites dominate the courts once more, the 2024 Wimbledon Championships’ main draw will kick off next Monday. The 128 men’s singles competitors will embark on their quests for the prestigious trophy. Rolex, as the official timekeeper, will witness the continuation of legends and the crowning of new ones, chronicling each player’s pursuit of excellence and conquest of new heights!