Former champions Rybakina, Vondrousova eye Wimbledon repeats but injuries a concern

With Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka having had little preparation on grass this season and injuries and illnesses wreaking havoc on the women's tour, several players will be eyeing up Wimbledon as an opportunity for Grand Slam success.

Chief among the contenders is former champion Elena Rybakina, who has had a positive 2024, despite having to contend with illnesses throughout her campaign.

The big-serving Kazakh has won three titles in 2024 - Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart - and has recorded wins over top 10 players Swiatek, Sabalenka and Maria Sakkari.

"I'm really happy with the results this year," Rybakina told reporters after her French Open quarter-final loss to eventual finalist Jasmine Paolini.

"I played so many matches. Also, good wins against top players. It's a lot of ups and downs from my side, missing some events.

"I would like to play everything, but if the body is on the limit, I cannot do anything. For now I'm pretty happy."

Rybakina looked in good nick in her first match on grass, easing past Veronika Kudermetova at the Berlin Ladies Open, before being forced to retire during her quarter-final due to illness.

She then opted not to play at Eastbourne after "a change in schedule", meaning she may also be slightly undercooked.

Reigning champion Marketa Vondrousova is another name to watch at the July 1-14 tournament.

The Czech left-hander became the first unseeded player to capture the Wimbledon women's singles title after a barn-storming run last year.

While she has not been able to follow up that success with another trophy, her results have been promising, including quarter-final runs at the U.S. Open and French Open.

The 24-year-old faces a race against the clock to be fully fit for Wimbledon after suffering