Williams' Wimbledon retirement, Djokovic's French Open victory, Osaka's skipping grass court season: bold predictions for June

Djokovic is currently aiming for a historic 25th Grand Slam title, which he is aiming to achieve at the 2025 French Open. In women's tennis, Serena Williams is currently suspended, meaning she may choose to retire. With Wimbledon just around the corner, the event could be the American's farewell stage.

Here are three bold predictions that could come true in June:

1. Serena Williams may say goodbye to tennis at Wimbledon

Venus Williams has received numerous accolades throughout his storied career. Since her debut in the late 1990s, she has won 23 Grand Slam titles, including singles and doubles, and won four Olympic gold medals, reaching the top of the world rankings in both tournaments.

In recent years, Serena Williams has gradually faded from the court, not playing since the 2024 Miami Open, and has been absent for a long time. Many expected her to retire alongside her sister Serena Williams, who said goodbye to the Tour at the US Open in 2022.

Considering her long absence, rumors of her imminent retirement intensified. While the U.S. Open and farewell to her home fans were more emotional, she won five of her seven Grand Slam singles titles and six doubles titles at Wimbledon.

Given her impressive list of achievements at the All England Club, it would be fitting to say goodbye here. Just like Nadal's tribute on the first day of this year's French Open, which is more ceremonial than last year's Davis Cup retirement arrangement, David could also receive similar treatment and complete her final dance by entering the tournament via a wild card.

2. Djokovic is expected to defeat Sinner and Alcaraz in succession and win the French Open

Novak Djokovic has already reached the semi-finals of the French Open, with world number one Sinner (semi-finals) and defending champion Alcaraz (a possible final opponent) ahead of him.

Winning the title on this difficult road, especially achieving a 25th Grand Slam title, will not be easy. However, Djokovic has always been known for breaking the rules, and he achieved his dream of gold at the Paris Olympics last year. If he can show that form and determination again, he has every chance of breaking the Grand Slam record at this clay-court Grand Slam tournament.

Sinner and Novak Djokovic are currently tied 4-4 head-to-head head-to-head, although the Italian have won four of their last five meetings, including the last three. The only time the pair met on clay was at the 2021 Monte Carlo Masters, which saw them meet for the first time in their careers, with Djokovic winning.

Sinner is on his way to reaching his third consecutive Grand Slam final, having already won his previous two Grand Slam titles. Djokovic, on the other hand, is just two wins away from making history and winning his 25th Grand Slam title. With both men shouldering heavy expectations and a similar history of matchmaking, this semi-final promises to be a tight battle.

3. Naomi Osaka may skip the entire grass court season

In order to improve her clay record, Naomi Osaka chose to compete in a Challenger tournament this year. The decision proved to be wise, as she won her first career clay title at the Challenger San Malo. However, her clay season ended in a first-round exit at the French Open.

Osaka was very disappointed with the loss and was depressed at the post-match press conference. Back in 2021, she opted out of the entire grass-court season after a poor performance on clay, when she mentioned mental health issues.

Since his comeback, Osaka has shown great drive and professional commitment. However, if the French Open defeat has a lasting impact on her, she may once again choose to forgo the entire grass-court season, after all, she has not performed well on grass-court in the past.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Spark)