2016 Wimbledon: Expert Picks

NOTE: "Dark Horse" selections must be seeded No. 20 or lower; "Bust" selections must be seeded No. 10 or higher.

ED MCGROGAN, SENIOR EDITOR: Andy Murray

With a calendar-year Slam possible, the vengeful tennis gods have awoken from slumber. Novak Djokovic could face two Brits to start, and while they may test patience more than anything, Milos Raonic and Roger Federer are more problematic. Meanwhile, the top Brit is in the other half.

NINA PANTIC, ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Novak Djokovic

There’s just no way anyone can bet against Djokovic. He’s playing on a different realm than his competition, and although he has Federer in his half, Djokovic hasn’t lost to the Swiss at a major in four years.

STEVE TIGNOR, SENIOR WRITER: Novak Djokovic

He has to lose at a major sometime, but why now? Djokovic is the two-time defending champion, and his closest rival here, Federer, is returning from injury.

MCGROGAN: Serena Williams

Serena avoided both of this year’s major champions, as well as Madison Keys, in what appears to be a manageable half of the draw. Of course, it will come down to her performance in the final, where she’s twice stumbled this year. Not this time.

PANTIC: Serena Williams

Like with Djokovic, it’s tough to side with anyone but Serena. The fact that she’s twice failed to capture major title No. 22 this year is just added reason for her to be motivated at SW19.

TIGNOR: Garbiñe Muguruza

Two consecutive major titles, on two very different surfaces? It's a lot to ask of the 22-year-old, but she has been playing the best tennis of anyone.

MCGROGAN: Kevin Anderson

The towering South African led Djokovic by two sets last year before capitulating, and they could meet in the quarterfinals this year. “At times I was helpless with my return,” said Djokovic, the best returner in tennis.

PANTIC: Alexander Zverev

The 19-year-old German has been flying up the ranks this year. Take one look at him standing at a super-sized 6’6”, with his shots, and you can expect to see him make a mess of any draw on grass.

TIGNOR: Alexander Zverev

The teen beat Federer on grass in Halle, and he could reach the quarters without having to face a Top 5 opponent.

MCGROGAN: Ana Ivanovic

She hasn’t reached the quarters here since 2007, but Ivanovic’s flat strokes—if hitting their targets—can be devastating on grass. Given her bracket, a return to the elite eight seems possible for the 23rd seed.

PANTIC: CoCo Vandeweghe

Vandeweghe just captured her second career WTA title on grass. Now, she brings her big serves and bigger groundstrokes to the All England Club, where she’s seeded at a major for the first time.

TIGNOR: CoCo Vandeweghe

The hard-serving, grass-loving American reached the quarterfinals last year. Her draw could take her there again.

MCGROGAN: Kei Nishikori

Despite his 33 match wins, the No. 5 seed has underwhelmed in 2016. He played just one match on grass this year before withdrawing in Halle and has never been past the fourth round at Wimbledon. Big-serving Sam Groth could take him out from the onset.

PANTIC: Marin Cilic

The No. 9 seed has failed to make it past the third round of a major this year. He’s proven just as likely to lose early as he is to go deep, with a pair of first-round losses jammed between respectable showings at Queen’s Club and Geneva.

TIGNOR: Kei Nishikori

He's the No. 5 seed, but in his seven trips to Wimbledon, he's lost in the first round three times and never reached the quarters.

MCGROGAN: Roberta Vinci

Vinci’s carving slices should do well on the turf, but she’s struggled mightily since the tours headed to Europe. If she meets Serena in the quarterfinals, however, all bets are off.

PANTIC: Roberta Vinci

Vinci is faced with a tricky draw, with Americans Alison Riske and Vandeweghe eager to pounce on struggling prey. The Italian has lost six of her last seven matches, and played just one grass-court tune-up.

TIGNOR: Belinda Bencic

The No. 7 seed is still working her way back from injury, and she opens against grass-court specialist Tsvetana Pironkova.