# Martina Navratilova Crowns Wimbledon’s Cinderella: The Shocking Favorite After Sabalenka’s Stunning Exit
Aryna Sabalenka’s exit from Wimbledon has created a power vacuum. The Belarusian, a pre-tournament favorite, withdrew after the first round with a shoulder injury. The women’s draw is now wide open.
Martina Navratilova has named her favorite to take the title. The 18-time Grand Slam champion, speaking to Tennis365, picked a surprising contender. Jim Courier agrees. The two legends share a consensus on who will win Wimbledon this year.
Navratilova and Courier’s Surprising Consensus
Jim Courier and Martina Navratilova agree on which woman will win Wimbledon. According to tennishead.net, both believe the title will go to a player outside the traditional top seeds. This pick is a “Cinderella” story.
Their reasoning: the player’s grass-court adaptability and mental resilience. Courier noted her “unwavering focus” under pressure. Navratilova highlighted her “tactical intelligence” on the surface. The agreement is rare for two analysts who often differ.
Who Is the Shocking Favorite? Breaking Down the Contender
Navratilova named her favorite: Emma Raducanu. The British player, ranked 94th in the world, has impressed the 66-year-old legend.
“She’s playing with freedom,” Navratilova told Tennis365. “Her movement on grass is exceptional. She’s not afraid to take risks.” Raducanu’s run has included straight-sets wins over two seeded players. Her serve has held at 89% efficiency through three rounds.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who did Martina Navratilova pick as her Wimbledon favorite after Sabalenka’s exit?
- A: Martina Navratilova picked Emma Raducanu as her favorite to win Wimbledon, citing her exceptional movement on grass and fearless play.
- Q: Why did Aryna Sabalenka withdraw from Wimbledon?
- A: Aryna Sabalenka withdrew from Wimbledon after the first round due to a shoulder injury.
- Q: What qualities did Navratilova and Courier highlight in Raducanu?
- A: They highlighted her grass-court adaptability, mental resilience, tactical intelligence, and unwavering focus under pressure.