The Hidden Gems of Wimbledon 2025: What are the biggest threats to the favorites?

Carlos Navarro | 23 Jun 2025 | 20.00

Wimbledon Central Court. Source: Getty

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Every time a Grand Slam approaches, the anticipation surrounding the draw grows. The day we learn about the match-ups and paths of the favorites is marked in red by the entire tennis community, not only to discuss projections and potential semifinals or finals duels but also to analyze the early rounds and determine which favorite may have a tougher road ahead. Wimbledon 2025 is no exception, and Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, or Aryna Sabalenka know they could face extremely tough opponents... players who are not seeded, true dark horses of the tournament.

A list that could be even more formidable: only the title in Halle saved Alexander Bublik from the possibility of being paired with any player in the first round, while the absences of names like Ruud or Fils also spared Matteo Berrettini from this disappointment. However, there is still a plethora of players that no one would want to face, not even in paint, in the first round, both in the ATP and WTA circuits.

- Hubert Hurkacz (#39 ATP): Hurkacz's grass court resume is already highly demanding and speaks of a clear threat if we think of a third or fourth round; now imagine he could be an opponent for anyone... as soon as the first match. Back issues are the only question mark for a Hubi who hasn't had the desired consistency in 2025, facing a tough situation at one of his favorite venues. A former semifinalist at this tournament, a conqueror of Federer and a fierce rival of Djokovic in the past, the bombs of the Polish player, even hampered physically, would not be an easy matchup for anyone, especially with the freshly laid grass.

- Marketa Vondrousova (#73 WTA): Another great example that ranking isn't everything. 'What the physique took away' seems like a great headline to describe the Czech player: she knows what it's like to lift the trophy at the Tennis Cathedral, and Berlin witnessed her recent comeback just a couple of days ago when she claimed the title after a stellar week. Her ability to redirect, play short angles, and open up the court take on a new dimension on grass, and her hunger and desire to return to the elite seem intact, intriguing ingredients that could cause indigestion to many top seeds.

- Ons Jabeur (#58 WTA): In the world's number two, there is too much talent and class not to dread seeing her name anywhere. With a considerably declined form, the Tunisian returns to a place of joy, but also of disappointments: success and failure, Ons has experienced it all at Wimbledon. What better way to leave behind past final losses than with a stellar performance when the general public least expects it: on a surface where physical exertion is reduced, perhaps Jabeur can sprinkle some magic that would enliven the first week of competition.

- Gabriel Diallo (#41 ATP): The Canadian generational shift is secured with a bomber capable of leaving opponents clueless on his best day. Champion in 's-Hertongenbosch defeating highly pedigreed rivals on this surface (Khachanov or Humbert, among others), Diallo's progress has been impressive but not enough to secure a spot among the seeds. His explosive tennis, with short points and an absolute pivotal first serve, could go a long way at SW19.

- Joao Fonseca (#54 ATP): Many doubts linger in recent months about a Fonseca who has experienced a slight pause in his meteoric progression. However, if anything characterizes the Brazilian's year, it's a spectacular performance in his Slam debuts: victories over Rublev (top-10) and Hurkacz (top-30), respectively, on two different surfaces, could earn him the moniker 'giant killer' when the draw seems tough. His experience on grass is still limited, but his forehand and speed to unleash it, along with his boldness and ability not to fear big stages, are compelling reasons for any top player to avoid facing him.

- Xinyu Wang (#33 WTA): She was the big surprise in Berlin, and her demeanor indicates she is more than ready for the top spots on the circuit. With a wide range of resources at her disposal, Wang has become a major threat in a domain eager to rise again, and her transition to grass has been outstanding. When you string together wins against Jabeur, Kasatkina, Gauff, Badosa, and Samsonova in a week, well, words are unnecessary: the best already know what you are capable of when facing her.

Special Mention (bonus track): Emma Raducanu (#40 WTA), Roberto Bautista (#44 ATP), Daniel Evans (#170 ATP), Jacob Fearnley (#51 ATP), Tatjana Maria (#44 WTA), Naomi Osaka (#51 WTA)

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los tapados de Wimbledon 2025: ¿cuáles son los mayores peligros para los favoritos?