The esteemed Wimbledon entry list has recently been released, and it includes all the top players that fans of tennis have come to anticipate. Notable names such as Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz are slated to compete, with Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray also confirmed for the tournament.
In a surprising development, the final player to secure a place in the main draw is currently ranked at a remarkably low 1047th in the world. Pablo Carreno Busta, still recovering from a lengthy injury hiatus, has never been able to secure a win at Wimbledon, adding an intriguing dimension to the event.
A total of six players, including Denis Shapovalov, Dominic Stricker, and Kei Nishikori, have entered the men’s singles draw at Wimbledon utilizing their protected rankings. This exceptional provision allows athletes who have been sidelined for more than six months due to injury to participate in tournaments when their own ranking declines.
Carreno Busta’s unique situation has captured the interest of tennis enthusiasts. His prolonged absence from the court was due to an elbow injury, and he will be making his return at the French Open while using his protected ranking of No. 18.
Despite the challenges he faces in his comeback, Carreno Busta is anticipated to perform well on clay courts. The question, however, remains as to whether he will finally secure his first Wimbledon victory this summer, having exited the tournament in the first round in all seven of his previous appearances.
The Spaniard’s high protected ranking is a result of the impressive position he held before his injury. According to ATP regulations, a player’s special position is determined by their average ranking during the first three months of their injury. Carreno Busta’s career reached its peak in 2022 before his injury, winning his first Masters 1000 title in Canada and reaching the final of the Barcelona Open.
Carreno Busta’s performance at other Grand Slam tournaments sharply contrasts with his misfortunes at Wimbledon. He has reached the semi-finals at the US Open twice and has even thwarted the success of Novak Djokovic in the past. This unranked entry adds an interesting narrative and has sparked much anticipation for the upcoming edition of Wimbledon.