As usual, the trio of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are grabbing most of the attention heading into the 2019 Wimbledon men’s singles tournament. The experts like them as favorites, and this writer is inclined to agree. That’s what happens when Grand Slam titles look as though they are only shared by three guys over the last decade (plus). However, don’t take your eyes away from other contenders who may own longer odds to win in London, but can definitely deal damage and spoil the common narrative. We’ve listed three high value sleeper picks for the 2019 Wimbledon men’s singles division (see all odds) and discuss the odds for each of them below.
Tsitsipas is about to turn just 21 this coming August, but he’s shown much promise to make plenty of believers in his becoming the next big thing in tennis. That time could sooner than later, though. A Grand Slam win by Tsitsipas will definitely lead to some people bookmarking that occasion as a new chapter in tennis — a passing of the baton of sorts. Tsitsipas has made a good account of himself in the past two Grand Slam tournaments. He made a surprising run at the 2019 Australian Open by reaching the semifinals, losing to Rafael Nadal in three sets in that round. At the 2019 French Open, Tsitsipas managed to go all the way into the fourth round where he was stopped by Stanislas Wawrinka. Tsitsipas’ ceiling is still very high, and it seems to be that it’s just a matter of time before he takes over the tennis world.
Thiem is another youngster raring to get his first Grand Slam title. He’s been around tennis longer than Tsitsipas, having made his Grand Slam debut way back in 2014. Thiem is at his best when on the clay court, which anyone looking at his Grand Slam resume can assume. HIs only semifinals and finals Grand Slam appearances came at Roland Garros. He was the runner-up at the 2018 and 2019 French Open, losing to Rafael Nadal in both occasions. It’s a much different story when he’s in London, as Thiem has never gone past the round of 64 in that tournament thus far in his career. Last year, he was sent packing after a first-round loss at Wimbledon. Still, Thiem is too talented of a player to just be totally ignored. He’s beaten Nadal and Roger Federer in separate tournaments this season.
Anderson was among the stories at the 2018 Wimbledon, when the South African made it to the Finals. There, he lost to Novak Djokovic. There’s no shame in getting beat by Djokovic, and if anything, that deep run by Anderson only showed that he’s capable of being a major player at a Grand Slam event. A lingering elbow injury has limited Anderson this year, even forcing him to skip the 2019 French Open. He has since returned to action, and while he got ousted in the second round of the Fever-Tree Championships, he should be in a much finer form once the Wimbledon arrives.
