Martina Navratilova recently highlighted her top eight favorites for the upcoming Wimbledon women’s singles tournament, placing Aryna Sabalenka as the leading candidate to win. In her assessment, the tennis legend also identified Madison Keys as a significant contender for the title, emphasizing Keys’ potential to shine on grass courts next month.
Sabalenka has had an outstanding year on the WTA Tour in 2025, winning 42 out of 50 matches and capturing three titles. Although she finished as runner-up in the first two Grand Slam events, her consistent high-level performance marks her as the most in-form player this season. Navratilova believes Sabalenka’s recent loss in a three-set final to Coco Gauff at the French Open will only enhance her motivation for Wimbledon.
“Looking at her record, it’s hard to think she’s (Sabalenka)not the favorite this year. She’s a complete player and has a good game for grass. I’m wondering if losing the French Open final will actually help motivate her,”
Navratilova remarked.
Following Sabalenka, Navratilova ranked Coco Gauff and Madison Keys as her second and third choices for success at Wimbledon. She noted that Keys, who claimed her first Major win this year in Melbourne, possesses the necessary tools for grass and carries less pressure than before.
“It’s just about managing her game, managing her body, her emotions. She’s (Gauff) found the happy medium, the equilibrium between being focused and fired up,”
Navratilova said.
“After winning Australia, there’s a huge weight off her shoulders. Weapons are what win on grass and she’s (Keys) got them. I think she’s the third favorite to win the tournament, after Sabalenka and not far behind Gauff,”
she added.
Navratilova also acknowledged the achievements of Jessica Pegula and Jasmine Paolini, highlighting their playing styles and performances this year.
“I think her weapon is consistency — and a good volley because she’s played a lot of doubles,”
she noted about Pegula.
“She [Paolini] won Rome and is still a force to be reckoned with. I definitely see her living up to the seeding,”
Navratilova commented.
Assessment of Iga Swiatek’s Chances at Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek has experienced a quieter 2025 season on the WTA Tour, failing to reach any singles finals so far. Despite this, Navratilova believes Swiatek’s exceptional shotmaking skills give her a chance to compete at Wimbledon.
“Just the fact that she (Swiatek) hits the ball so well gives her a chance. Backhand, solid as a rock,”
Navratilova stated, appreciating the polish in Swiatek’s game.
Insights on Paula Badosa and Elena Rybakina’s Form
Near the end of her evaluation, Navratilova mentioned former World No. 2 Paula Badosa and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who have both faced challenges maintaining deep runs in tournaments this year.
“It was tough to watch her (Badosa) struggle with the back injury. It’s good to see her relatively healthy again, playing well in Berlin,”
Navratilova observed.
Regarding Rybakina, she added,
“No weaknesses, good athlete. Not afraid to go forward and knock off the volley.”
Seedings and Tournament Preview
The women’s singles seedings for Wimbledon were released on June 25, confirming Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen, Madison Keys, Mirra Andreeva, and Iga Swiatek as the top eight seeds. This arrangement ensures that none of these players will face each other before the quarterfinal stage of the grass-court Grand Slam.
With Aryna Sabalenka entering Wimbledon as the top favorite, along with strong contenders such as Coco Gauff and Madison Keys, the competition promises to be intense. Keys, in particular, could stand out as a Madison Keys Wimbledon title contender due to her well-rounded game and refreshed confidence after her first Major victory. Navratilova’s evaluations suggest a highly competitive field ahead, where mental toughness, playing style, and physical management will be crucial in the quest for victory at SW19.