Wimbledon 2025 is just around the corner, and while top names like Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka command the spotlight, much of the tournament’s intrigue lies with the dark horses. These under-the-radar players have the potential to disrupt the field and take advantage of the grass court’s unpredictable dynamics. The All England Club has long been a stage for surprises, especially in the women’s draw, where upsets and breakout runs are a recurring theme.
With the tournament beginning on June 30, several under-the-radar competitors merit attention. Their current odds hint at the potential for breakthrough performances, and fans and analysts alike are watching closely for those capable of producing upsets and making unexpected runs through the draw.
Madison Keys: Grass-Court Veteran Poised for a Late Surge
Madison Keys isn’t unfamiliar with the big stage. A two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist and Grand Slam finalist, she has quietly built one of the most effective grass-court resumes in the draw. With a career grass win rate of 73% and priced at 25/1 to win, Keys offers exceptional value for an experienced contender. Her explosive serve and flat groundstrokes suit this surface perfectly.
Keys’ 2024 campaign ended with a fourth-round retirement, but prior performances indicate resilience. If she stays fit, her power game and familiarity with grass can carry her into the tournament’s second week and beyond.
Joao Fonseca: Teenage Talent with a Fearless Edge
At 40/1, Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca represents one of the more intriguing men’s picks. Though untested at the Grand Slam level, Fonseca has earned attention with his blend of athleticism and fearless play. Grass can often neutralize raw power, but Fonseca’s ability to move forward and finish at the net makes him a compelling long-shot pick in the Wimbledon odds.
While much of the ATP field relies on baseline dominance, Fonseca’s attacking instincts and versatility could allow him to thrive on a surface that rewards improvisation and aggression. In a best-of-five format, his youth may even serve as an advantage in early rounds against aging seeds.
Qinwen Zheng: A Breakout Waiting to Happen
With odds of 33/1, Qinwen Zheng is another player who has yet to peak at Wimbledon but possesses the weapons to do so. At just 21, she’s already cracked the top 10 and carries a dangerous combination of power and precision. Her grass-court record may seem underwhelming at 7–16, but the Chinese star has continued to develop her all-court game.
A strong serve and forehand can be lethal on the quick grass, and her athleticism helps her cover the net when needed. With experience gained and expectations still modest, Zheng could emerge as one of the draw’s key disruptors.
Matteo Berrettini: Former Finalist Searching for Redemption
Matteo Berrettini’s story at Wimbledon is one of almost. A 2021 finalist, he’s dealt with injury setbacks that have kept him from replicating that form. Yet at 40/1, the Italian’s potential upside is undeniable. His booming serve and forehand-heavy game are tailor-made for grass. If his fitness holds, he can bulldoze through early rounds with relative ease.
Despite flying under the radar in recent months, Berrettini’s experience on this surface makes him a dangerous presence. According to FanDuel research, his grass-court win percentage remains among the highest for active players outside the top 20, highlighting just how tricky an opponent he can be, especially for those returning from clay-centric preparation.
Naomi Osaka: A Four-Time Major Champion on a Comeback Path
Naomi Osaka may be better known for her hard-court dominance, but her presence in the Wimbledon field at 33/1 is notable. After time away from the tour, Osaka has returned with renewed focus and improved physicality. Her grass court record is limited, yet her flat, penetrating groundstrokes can be especially effective on this surface when matched with a strong serve.
More importantly, her Grand Slam pedigree makes her a psychological threat to any top seed. If she finds rhythm in the opening rounds, Osaka has the skillset to outperform expectations and possibly mount a serious campaign.
Jakub Mensik: The Czech Surprise in the Men’s Draw
Another 40/1 entry, 18-year-old Jakub Mensik has started to turn heads with his maturity and consistency. His transition from junior success to the senior circuit has been smooth, and Wimbledon presents a chance to accelerate that rise. Mensik’s style isn’t overly flashy, but his adaptability and baseline discipline make him a player who can grind down higher-ranked opponents.
Grass courts often reward clean ball striking and smart positioning, two areas where Mensik has shown poise beyond his years. While a title run may be a stretch, a quarterfinal appearance would not be shocking.
Belinda Bencic: The Forgotten Contender
Belinda Bencic, also priced at 33/1, enters Wimbledon under the radar but brings with her a wealth of experience and a skillset that translates well to grass. Her compact strokes and early ball timing help neutralize big hitters. Bencic has consistently made second-week runs in Grand Slams and won Olympic gold in 2021.
On a surface where movement and timing are paramount, Bencic’s smart court positioning and efficient play style could lift her above more erratic players. With a favorable draw, she has the tools to return to the semifinals or better.
Taylor Fritz: Underrated American Firepower
Though often overshadowed by flashier contemporaries, Taylor Fritz has quietly compiled an impressive grass record, with a career win rate that supports a deeper Wimbledon run. At 33/1, the American offers value for bettors seeking a consistent performer. Fritz reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2022 and has shown increased confidence in 2025.
His flat serve and inside-out forehand give him a strong 1-2 punch, and he’s added more net play to his arsenal. With stamina and experience on his side, he may outlast some of the tournament’s more high-profile names in marathon matches.
Jasmine Paolini: The Underdog Who’s Been Here Before
Italian Jasmine Paolini was a finalist at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon in 2024, yet she enters this year’s edition at a long 50/1. Her results in 2025 have been modest, but Paolini has already demonstrated she can thrive on both clay and grass.
Her ability to construct points and her movement make her a frustrating opponent. She lacks raw power but compensates with intelligence and precision. If she builds momentum early, she could once again defy the odds and repeat her deep run.
Why These Names Matter
The grass court season is brief and often brutal. Form from clay rarely translates, and adaptation becomes a decisive factor. While top seeds dominate the headlines, Wimbledon’s enduring wonder lies in its unpredictability.
Tags: Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, Wimbledon, Wimbledon 2025
