This year's Wimbledon is notable for the absence of players, seven players withdraw due to suspension and injury, politics behind the ban

LONDON:The only Grand Slam on the grass court is set to kick off on Monday at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet club courts. Leading players in professional tennis have arrived in London to fulfill their Grand Slam dreams.

Despite the Covid challenges, the tournament has become controversial this time due to its political stance. Russian and Belarusian players have been banned from the tournament due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. With this, several players including the world number one player in the men's category Daniil Medvedev of Russia, will not be able to play. The ranking points from the tournament have been reduced due to this.

Leading players Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Emma Raducanu, Angelique Kerber, Mladonovic, Maria Sakkari, Stan Wawrinka and Kasper Rood are all set to play on the first day. In the first round, Novak's opponent will be South Korea's Soon-woo Kwon. Andy Murray will face Duckworth of Australia.

Injured players Roger Federer, Alex Zverev and Naomi Osaka have all been ruled out of Wimbledon. In addition to Daniil Medvedev, Victoria Azarenka, Ariana Sabalenka and Andrei Rublev are also banned.

Kicking off the Centre Court celebrations 🎉#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/Fzs2NOpCfg

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 25, 2022

In the men's singles, the tournament will be played without World number 1 Medvedev and number two Zverev.

Novak Djokovic is the reigning men's singles champion. Rafael Nadal, who won the French Open last month, will be the main contender for the title.

Serena has her 👀 on number 24 #Wimbledon | @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/X1LRyc9LVj

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 25, 2022

Ashleigh Barty, the reigning champion in women's singles, has retired. The fight for the title will be between French Open champion Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu of Britain.