Rising Canadian star Gabriel Diallo aims to build on strong season at Wimbledon

At the start of the season, Canada's Gabriel Diallo set a goal of cracking the top 50 in the world rankings in 2025.

Mission accomplished on that front and we're still in the first half of the year.

Diallo earned his first career ATP Tour title this month and is currently at a career-high No. 41 in the rankings. He's hoping to build on his recent success when Wimbledon begins on Monday.

"He's a guy that is really dangerous on any surface," said coach Martin Laurendeau. "He's established himself now as someone that a lot of guys, they really don't want to draw him because of his power and the fact that he's a big boy with a big game."

The six-foot-eight Diallo has the power to keep opponents on their heels and the touch game to keep them guessing.

His skillset was on full display at the recent 250-level tournament in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.

Diallo beat Russia's Karen Khachanov and Ugo Humbert of France — both top-25 players — to secure his spot in the final. He then beat good friend and Wimbledon doubles partner Zizou Bergs of Belgium 7-5, 7-6 (8) for the title.

WATCH | Diallo captures 1st ATP title:

Canada's Diallo captures 1st career ATP Tour title

The 23-year-old Montrealer jumped 11 ranking spots to No. 44 the day after the victory.

"He's definitely a very explosive player," said Denis Shapovalov, one of three Canadians in the men's singles draw. "He's got a great serve and moves really well for being a big guy.

"He has improved a lot over the last couple years."

Diallo and Shapovalov, from Richmond Hill, Ont., will be joined in the 128-player draw by Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Que., is in the women's singles main draw along with qualifier Carson Branstine, a California