LONDON — Former British number one Dan Evans and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova have been awarded wildcards for this year’s Wimbledon Championships, the All England Club announced on Wednesday. The decision ensures both seasoned players will feature in the main singles draws when the tournament begins on July 1.
Evans, currently ranked 61st in the world, has struggled with form and injuries over the past year, slipping from his career-high ranking of 21. The 34-year-old Birmingham native, known for his crafty all-court game, has been a staple of British tennis for over a decade. His inclusion in the wildcard list comes as a boost for home fans, who will now see three British men—Evans, Andy Murray, and Jack Draper—compete in the singles main draw.
A Lifeline for Evans
The wildcard represents a crucial opportunity for Evans to regain momentum after a difficult season. A knee injury sidelined him for much of 2023, and his ranking has suffered as a result. "It’s always an honor to play at Wimbledon," Evans said in a statement. "I’ve had some great memories here, and I’m grateful for the chance to compete again."
Evans’ best Wimbledon performance came in 2021, when he reached the third round before falling to Sebastian Korda. His inclusion in the wildcard list was not guaranteed, given his recent struggles, but his experience and past contributions to British tennis likely influenced the decision. The All England Club has historically supported homegrown players with wildcards, and Evans’ case was no exception.
Kvitova’s Return to Wimbledon
Two-time champion Petra Kvitova, a fan favorite at SW19, also received a wildcard. The Czech left-hander, now 34, won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014 and has been a consistent force on grass courts throughout her career. However, a dip in form and injuries have seen her ranking drop to 32nd, just outside the direct entry cutoff for this year’s tournament.
Kvitova expressed her gratitude, saying, "Wimbledon has always been a special place for me. Winning here twice was a dream, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to compete again. The grass suits my game, and I hope to bring my best."
Her aggressive, flat-hitting style has always been well-suited to grass, and her presence adds depth to the women’s draw. Kvitova reached the quarterfinals last year, losing to eventual champion Marketa Vondrousova, proving she remains a threat on the surface.
Other Wildcard Recipients
The All England Club also announced wildcards for several other players, including rising British talents and returning veterans. Among them:
- Emma Raducanu – The 2021 US Open champion, now rebuilding her career after multiple surgeries, was granted a wildcard despite her protected ranking being sufficient for entry.
- Liam Broady – Another British veteran, Broady has had memorable Wimbledon runs, including a third-round appearance in 2022.
- Francesca Jones – The 23-year-old Brit, who has overcome a rare genetic condition affecting her fingers and toes, earned a wildcard after strong performances in lower-tier events.
The inclusion of these players ensures a mix of experience and emerging talent, keeping the home crowd engaged throughout the fortnight. "We’re delighted to support these players," said Wimbledon tournament director Jamie Baker. "They’ve all shown great potential or resilience, and we believe they’ll contribute to an exciting Championships."
The Road Ahead
For Evans and Kvitova, the wildcards offer a chance to reignite their careers. Evans will look to build on his recent run to the quarterfinals at the Nottingham Open, while Kvitova will aim to recapture the form that made her a two-time champion.
The tournament’s grass-court season is brief, and both players will need to adapt quickly. Evans, in particular, faces a tough path, with potential early-round matchups against seeded opponents. Kvitova, however, could be a dark horse if she finds her rhythm early.
As the tennis world turns its attention to Wimbledon, the wildcard announcements have added intrigue to the event. Whether Evans and Kvitova can capitalize on this opportunity remains to be seen, but their presence ensures compelling storylines for fans to follow.
The Championships begin on July 1, with the draw set to be revealed on June 28. For now, the wildcard recipients can prepare with the confidence of knowing they’ll be part of one of tennis’ most prestigious stages.