As Wimbledon 2025 draws near, attention centers on men’s tennis stars like Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic, as well as the women’s tennis powerhouses: Gauff, Sabalenka, and Pegula.

While top seeds receive most of the buzz, the All England Club remains a place where surprises unfold. The tournament’s brief grass court season and distinct playing conditions often open the door for lower-ranked or overlooked players to shine.

This year, betting odds highlight several dark horses—competitors capable of challenging the status quo and making unexpected runs. These under-the-radar talents bring the skill, steadfast mentality, and adaptability to thrive on grass.

Women’s Draw Sleeper Threats

In the women’s field, these under-the-radar names have the potential to shake up the draw and make deep runs at Wimbledon.

Madison Keys – American Power with a Grass-Court Edge

Madison Keys enters Wimbledon 2025 with 25/1 odds. While these Wimbledon odds place her outside the immediate circle of favorites, her credentials on grass are quietly strong. Keys boasts one of the most reliable records among active WTA players with a career grass court win percentage of 73%. Her aggressive first-strike tennis is well suited to the surface.

She’s made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon twice, most recently in 2023. Although she retired in the fourth round last year, she had a promising start. With her explosive serve and ability to dictate play from the baseline, Keys could be capable of overpowering even top-tier opposition.

Naomi Osaka – Veteran Potential Beneath the Surface

Naomi Osaka is back at Wimbledon with 33/1 odds. While grass isn’t her strongest surface, her return to competition in 2025 has seen flashes of the form that once made her the most feared hard-court player in the world. With a big serve and powerful return, Osaka has the raw attributes that could thrive on the slicker grass courts, provided she finds her rhythm.

She’s never gone past the third round at Wimbledon, but Osaka’s mental strength, tested and rebuilt over the last year, could prove pivotal. If she gains early confidence, she has the pedigree to dismantle higher seeds who don’t match her baseline power.

Jelena Ostapenko – Unpredictable but Dangerous

Jelena Ostapenko is no stranger to Grand Slam glory, having won the French Open in 2017. At 27, her experience, combined with a 70% career win rate on grass, positions her as a sneaky contender at 33/1. Ostapenko’s explosive style translates well to fast courts. She’s aggressive on returns, a trait that can rattle more defensive-minded players.

Her best showing at Wimbledon was a semi-final appearance in 2018, and she reached the quarterfinals last year. If she maintains control and cuts down on unforced errors, a semi-final return isn’t out of reach.

Jasmine Paolini – Undervalued Despite Finalist Pedigree

Jasmine Paolini is offered at 50/1. On the surface, her grass record—just 6 wins from 19 matches—doesn’t inspire confidence. Yet she reached the final at Wimbledon in 2024, defying expectations and showcasing her ability to adapt. A year later, her odds still reflect skepticism, but that experience may fuel another strong campaign.

Paolini’s footwork and anticipation give her an edge in redirecting pace, particularly against big hitters who struggle to handle her low, flat returns. If she can find consistency on serve and navigate early rounds, she may again find herself pushing into the latter stages.

Men’s Draw Dark Horses

Several lower-ranked men have the tools to cause major upsets. Their power, precision, and past grass-court success make them threats to the established order.

Taylor Fritz – Powerful Game Awaiting a Breakthrough

At 33/1, Taylor Fritz represents one of the more seasoned underdogs. The American’s powerful serve and solid ground game make him a legitimate threat on grass, even if he hasn’t yet made a breakthrough at Wimbledon. His best result is a quarterfinal appearance, but 2025 could offer a chance to go deeper.

Fritz is experienced, physically strong, and mentally improving. His win percentage on grass is strong enough to suggest he has a game that can trouble anyone. If he plays clean, attacking tennis, a semi-final or even a surprise final is not out of reach.

João Fonseca – Teenage Talent on the Rise

Fonseca is listed at 40/1, which might seem long until you consider his rapid development and fearless game. At just 18, Fonseca combines court awareness with a natural flair for shot-making. His youth might be a disadvantage in terms of experience, but younger players have surprised before. This is especially true when opponents underestimate their hunger and adaptability.

Fonseca’s game includes a compact service motion and efficient movement that translates surprisingly well to grass. His ability to flatten out groundstrokes could allow him to keep rallies short, which is crucial on this surface. If he catches fire in the early rounds, don’t be surprised to see him enter the second week.

Matteo Berrettini – Injury-Recovering Grass Specialist

Italy’s Matteo Berrettini, a former finalist at SW19, has odds of 40/1. Injuries have interrupted his momentum, but his game is tailor-made for grass. Few players serve as effectively on the surface as Berrettini, whose slice backhand and net instincts make him dangerous in fast conditions.

In 2021, he reached the final before losing to Djokovic. His Wimbledon absence in 2022 and subdued runs since have kept him off the radar. If Berrettini is fit, he could channel his experience and surface mastery into another deep run.

Jakub Mensik – Czech Youth with Quiet Potential

At 40/1, Jakub Mensik isn’t expected to win Wimbledon. Yet, the 19-year-old Czech has shown glimpses of a versatile, intelligent game that may adapt well to grass. Mensik moves well for his height, uses his serve to set up quick points, and possesses a reliable forehand.

He lacks experience on the big stage, but Wimbledon has seen teenagers break through before. He may benefit from a lack of pressure. If he avoids a brutal draw early on, he could quietly advance through the middle rounds while others shoulder the weight of expectation.

Grass Court Disruptors in the Making

Each of these players brings unique strengths—big serves, fearless ball striking, past experience, or youthful exuberance. Wimbledon’s fast surface rewards those who play aggressive, attacking tennis.

Underdogs with the ability to shorten points and embrace risk can thrive where others stumble. With the grass season so brief, players who catch fire early can ride momentum. This is especially true in the best-of-three women’s format.

While top seeds often dominate headlines, history shows that Wimbledon can reward boldness over rankings. These promising players might not have the shortest odds, but they’re capable of making plenty of noise on the lawns of SW19.