Anticipation is building among tennis fans as Wimbledon - arguably the single biggest tournament on the tennis calendar - draws nearer.
This year’s Wimbledon has been overshadowed by controversy, however, after organisers took the decision to bar Russian and Belarusian players from participating in the competition following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Among those affected by this decision is Russia ’s Daniil Medvedev, currently ranked as world number two in the men’s game behind reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic.
Nevertheless, this is likely to do little to dim the enthusiasm of Wimbledon’s many fans around the world.
So when will the tournament start - and who’s tipped to win?
When is Wimbledon 2022?
Wimbledon 2022 gets underway on June 27, with the first round of the men’s and women’s singles.
The women’s singles final will take place on July 9, along with the men’s and women’s doubles finals.
On July 10, the men’s final will be contested, as will the mixed doubles final.
Will Russian players be banned from Wimbledon this year?
Russian and Belarusian players will be banned from this year’s Wimbledon following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has been supported by the Belarusian government.
The ruling has caused controversy, with the sport’s governing bodies - the ATP and WTA - stripping Wimbledon of its ranking points as a result.
This technically reduces Wimbledon 2022 to an exhibition tournament, with players prevented from earning the ranking points they would ordinarily obtain.
Daniil Medvedev, who would otherwise have been one of the favourites to win the men’s tournament had he been allowed to compete, has expressed his disappointment at the ban.
“This is a delicate situation because it sets a precedent and puts other sports competitions in an uncomfortable position. Where is the line?” he told Russian news agency TASS.
“If I have the opportunity to play at Wimbledon, I would be delighted. If not, I would accept it.”
Wimbledon organisers say they were left with little choice but to bar Russians and Belarusians from the tournament in the wake of the war in Ukraine.
Bookies’ favourites for Wimbledon 2022
According to Oddschecker, Novak Djokovic is the favourite to claim the men’s singles crown at Wimbledon for a second successive year. He is rated at 7/5 to win.
Other favourites include Carlos Alcaraz at 6/1, Rafael Nadal at 8/1 and Matteo Berratini at 10/1.
In the women’s singles, Iga Swietek is currently 10/3 to win and Naomi Osaka 10/3. Britain’s Emma Raducanu, meanwhile, is at 12/1 and Simona Halep at 14/1.
However, Naomi Osaka has said that she is “not 100% sure” whether she’ll play Wimbledon after the tournament was stripped of ranking points.
Where to watch Wimbledon 2022
Live coverage of Wimbledon 2022 will air on BBC One, BBC Two, iPlayer and via the red button.
