NEW DELHI: As Wimbledon 2026 access, Indian doubles veteran Rohan Bopanna picked defending champion Jannik Sinner and Elena Rybakina as his favorites to win the men’s and women’s singles titles. Despite calling the field very competitive, the 46-year-old backed Sinner to retain her crown and believes former champion Rybakina has what it takes to top the women’s draw.“It’s such a tough question; the field is so open. But I have to go with defending champion Jannik Sinner in the men’s tournament. Among the women, I’d pick Elena Rybakina,” Bopanna told JioStar.Apart from sharing his predictions, Bopanna also spoke about his emotional connection with Wimbledon, saying that the tournament has been a dream since childhood.“Wimbledon is a magical dream because I grew up watching only that. At home we only watched Wimbledon. In fact, the television only broadcasts Wimbledon. So for me it was amazing to go there and not only be there but also play on those courts,” added Bopanna.“I also played in an era when the three greatest tennis players of our generation, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadaletc Novak Djokovicthey competed. Sharing dressing rooms with them and just being there was actually better than a dream.”This year’s tournament promises plenty of intrigue. Novak Djokovic is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title and eighth Wimbledon crown, and among the candidates are players like Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper.The women’s competition also remains open after six different winners in the last six Grand Slams. Iga Swiatek returns hoping to become the first woman since Serena Williams to successfully defend her Wimbledon title, while Serena, who was also given a wild card on her return to competitive tennis, and Venus Williams they are about to reunite in pairs.
