Who’s playing Wimbledon? Who’s missing out? Rafael Nadal, Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper out, Nick Kyrgios doubt

Wimbledon is fast approaching as the biggest names in tennis aim to win one of the biggest prizes in the sport.

Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina will be the defending singles champions at the grass Grand Slam, which starts on July 3.

We look at who’s out, who’s a doubt, and who will be playing…

OUT

Rafael Nadal

The biggest absentee at Wimbledon will be two-time champion Rafael Nadal.

Last year he made the semis but had to withdraw ahead of his match with Nick Kyrgios.

If he returns in 2024 it might be for a farewell.

Emma Raducanu

Raducanu said in May that she will be out for a “few months” after undergoing an operation on her hands and ankle.

It is not known if she will return in time for the US Open later in the summer.

Jack Draper

Jack Draper has shown flashes of his talent over the last 18 months but his progress has been hampered by injury issues.

“It’s clear my shoulder is going to need time and rehab to get back to where it needs to be,” Draper wrote on Instagram.

“My team and I have made the difficult decision to miss the grass-court season this year. I guess in this sport there are so many ups and downs but this one is tough to take. The only thing for sure is that I will keep persevering. Thank you for all the support I get on here it means a lot.”

Draper lost in the second round of Wimbledon last year to Alex de Minaur.

IN

Andy Murray

The 36-year-old has started his grass season with back-to-back titles in Surbiton and Nottingham as he aims to secure a seeded spot for Wimbledon.

Murray will also be hoping to go into the Grand Slam in good health after suffering an injury ahead of the tournament last year.

Murray is a two-time Wimbledon champion.

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz is set to be fit for Wimbledon after cramping issues hindered his chances of beating Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals.

Alcaraz suffered the problem early in the third set of the match and said afterwards that it was due to the occasion.

“I started the match really nervous. The tension of the first set, the second set, it was a really intense two sets, as well. I have never felt something like I did today. I have never felt that tension that I did in that match.”

Alcaraz made the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2022, losing to Jannik Sinner in four sets.

The Spaniard will make his debut at Queen’s this week.

Novak Djokovic

After winning his 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open, Novak Djokovic will be aiming for No. 24 at Wimbledon.

He has confirmed he won’t be playing a competitive grass event ahead of the Grand Slam, where he will be looking to tie Roger Federer’s record of eight titles.

He battled an elbow issue during the early stages of the clay season but did not appear to be bothered by it at the French Open.

Elena Rybakina

Defending Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina withdrew from the French Open ahead of the third round due to illness.

However, she is scheduled to play Berlin beginning on June 19 before heading to Eastbourne.

The world No. 3 should be among the favourites for the title at Wimbledon.

DOUBT

Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios made his return to the tour in Stuttgart at the start of June, playing his first singles match since October.

Last year’s Wimbledon runner-up underwent surgery earlier this year and asked for patience from supporters after losing in his comeback match to world No. 59 Yibing Wu.

“It’s a process to get back to where I was,” he wrote on Twitter.

“I know it’s hard for you to see me perform like today, but I need more time and hopefully can get back to where I was.”

“I’m still dealing with a couple of things with my knee,” he said.

“As you all know, that tournament [Wimbledon] means a lot to me and I just want to do everything right by my body.”

Venus Williams

Younger sister Serena might have retired, but 42-year-old Venus Williams isn’t going anywhere yet.

Venus played her first match since January at the Libema Open and said afterwards that she is looking forward to playing again.

“The best news is I walked off the court yesterday not hurt and not even sore after a long match and a string of really challenging injuries which means I have a chance to build on yesterday’s performance in my next events,” she said.

Venus is a five-time Wimbledon champion.

Matteo Berrettini

Matteo Berrettini has had a challenging season.

He made the final at Wimbledon in 2021 but another deep run this year looks unlikely right now.

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