Swiatek looks for Wimbledon breakthrough as rivals face fitness woes

For all her achievements over the last few seasons, Iga Swiatek remains largely unproven on grasscourts, but the Pole will have a golden opportunity to claim a maiden Wimbledon title with her rivals hampered by injuries and illness before the Grand Slam.

The five-times major champion has been an unstoppable force since inheriting the world number one spot following Ash Barty's retirement in 2022, although none of the 22 titles in her vast cabinet have come on the sport's slickest surface.

But fresh from her fourth French Open title amid a 19-match winning streak stretching back to May, the 23-year-old will head to the All England Club primed to go past the quarter-finals for the first time and prove herself as an all-court player.

Swiatek will have to adapt quickly to her least favourite surface after choosing to skip tune-up events and stay fresh for the year's third Grand Slam and the fate of several fancied players appear to have justified her decision.

Defending Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova sustained an injury after slipping during a match at the Berlin Open while world number three Aryna Sabalenka also retired from the same tournament last week with a shoulder problem.

Ons Jabeur's campaign in Germany was also cut short due to illness while last year's Wimbledon runner-up was joined in the sick bay by 2022 champion Elena Rybakina, leaving Coco Gauff as the only other top contender enjoying an incident-free run.

"I had these ideas, like doing a pre-season on grass so I can learn how to play there. Last year's result was pretty nice. I feel like every year it's easier for me to adapt to grass," Swiatek had said shortly after her Roland Garros triumph.

"So I think there's no need to do that. I need to continue the