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After new Slam champion at 2017 French Open, a look ahead to Wimbledon 2017

Wimbledon begins in 23 days and it will scarcely be recognizable from the 2017 French Open. 
Jon Wertheim|
After new Slam champion at 2017 French Open, a look ahead to Wimbledon 2017
After new Slam champion at 2017 French Open, a look ahead to Wimbledon 2017

The transition from clay to grass is always the most abrupt and jarring changeover of the tennis circuit. But this year, it will be especially so.

Wimbledon begins in 23 days and it will scarcely be recognizable from the French Open. Roger Federer, of course, will not only take his place in the men’s draw; he may well be the favorite to win. But the women’s draw will look different, too.

Provided she qualifies, Maria Sharapova will be there. So will another multiple Grand Slam champ, Victoria Azarenka, fresh off her maternity leave. Sloane Stephens is returning from injury. Petra Kvitova, a two-time champ, will be a factor as well. All the while, the defending champ, Serena Williams, will not be in the draw. And the defending finalist, Angie Kerber, is in a tailspin. You thought this women’s draw was wide open? We’re about to open wider….

Snapshots from the final

French Open 2017 women's final

Published
Jon Wertheim
JON WERTHEIM

Jon Wertheim is a senior writer for Sports Illustrated and has been part of the full-time SI writing staff since 1997, largely focusing on the tennis beat , sports business and social issues, and enterprise journalism. In addition to his work at SI, he is a correspondent for "60 Minutes" and a commentator for The Tennis Channel. He has authored 11 books and has been honored with two Emmys, numerous writing and investigative journalism awards, and the Eugene Scott Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Wertheim is a longtime member of the New York Bar Association (retired), the International Tennis Writers Association and the Writers Guild of America. He has a bachelor's in history from Yale University and received a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He resides in New York City with his wife, who is a divorce mediator and adjunct law professor. They have two children.

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