Coco Gauff or Aryna Sabalenka? Laura Robson names her Wimbledon favourite

The grass-court season is officially underway, and the tennis world is buzzing with one big question: Who is more likely to triumph at Wimbledon this year: Coco Gauff or Aryna Sabalenka?

Former British junior champion Laura Robson has weighed in, offering her insights on the two stars fresh off their intense showdown at the French Open final.

At Roland Garros, the young American sensation Coco Gauff outlasted Sabalenka to clinch her second Grand Slam title, earning applause from fans and pundits alike. Meanwhile, Sabalenka faced criticism over her post-final conduct, sparking a backlash she has since addressed in a statement, aiming to move past the disappointment.

Despite their recent battle on clay, both players now set their sights on the All England Club, where neither has yet hoisted the famous silverware. So, who does Robson see as the frontrunner?

"I don’t know who is favourite in the women’s Wimbledon event," Robson told Sky Sports. "I would probably say Sabalenka because she’s done well there in the past but for Coco it’s been a surface which hasn’t quite given her the results that the other Slams have.".

While Gauff has impressed at Wimbledon, reaching the fourth round three times, including her memorable breakthrough as a 15-year-old beating Venus Williams in 2019, she has yet to make a deep run beyond that stage. Sabalenka, on the other hand, has reached the semifinals twice (2021 and 2023), though she missed last year’s tournament due to a shoulder injury.

Both players share the same Wimbledon win-loss record: 11 wins from 16 matches, a 69% success rate. But past success isn’t everything on the unpredictable grass courts.

Robson also highlighted another player to watch: Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who could shake things up if she stays injury-free. "Our second seed here [at Queen’s Club] this week is Maddie," Robson said. "I kind of think what would have happened last year had she not pulled up with an injury in the fourth round at Wimbledon, so there’s definitely a chance for loads of different people.".

As Sabalenka and Gauff prepare to kick off their grass-court campaigns at the WTA 500 tournament in Berlin, fans will be watching closely. Wimbledon starts on Monday, June 30, and it promises to be a thrilling battle for one of tennis’s most prestigious crowns.

In a season full of surprises, will it be Sabalenka’s power and past success, Gauff’s rising star and momentum, or a dark horse like Keys who claims the title? Laura Robson’s pick may set the tone, but in tennis, anything can happen on the grass.