Grass courts, with their fast pace and low bounce, demand a difference approach from players and we always see new talents excel on grass each summer. Below we list five young players to watch during the upcoming grass season, all of them with a playing style that usually works well on this surface.
Surface is an important part also when it comes to tennis betting. The grass tournaments this summer will be heavily covered by most betting sites, but BetMGM comes highly recommended among many bettors. Most sportsbooks have quite good knowledge of the players preferred surface, and adjust the odds when needed, but it’s usually worth it to look for new talents that can surprise on grass.
Here are five players with great chances for deep runs ahead of Wimbledon this year.
1. Jack Draper (Great Britain, Age 23, World No. 4)
Jack Draper has emerged as Britain’s top player and a proper grass-court contender. His Stuttgart Open title last year, where he defeated Matteo Berrettini, showed his powerful left-handed serve and aggressive baseline game. His upset of Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s Club in 2024 further proved what he can achieve on this surface.
His flat groundstrokes, effective slice and improved fitness and consistency make him a natural fit for grass. If healthy, Draper is a strong candidate for a deep Wimbledon run, potentially even challenging for the title.
2. Holger Rune (Denmark, Age 22, World No. 9)
Holger Rune’s versatile game translates well to grass, with his quick movement and flat groundstrokes. The Dane reached the Wimbledon fourth round in both 2023 and 2024. Rune’s ability to mix aggressive baseline play with net approaches suits grass’s fast conditions. As the 2025 Indian Wells finalist (losing to Draper), Rune has already proven he can handle big stages. His hunger for a major breakthrough make him a player to watch at Wimbledon or Queen’s in 2025.
3. Ben Shelton (United States, Age 22, World No. 12)
Ben Shelton’s explosive serve, often exceeding 140 mph, and much improved consistency, make him a grass-court threat. The American reached the third round at Wimbledon 2024, losing to Jannik Sinner, and posted a 4-2 record on grass that year, including a Queen’s Club quarterfinal. Shelton’s lefty forehand and willingness to attack the net might work well this grass season, though he has limited grass experience. We could see him surprise at some of the smaller events ahead of Wimbledon.
4. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (France, Age 21, World No. 36)
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the tall Frenchman, will be a grass-court force, leveraging his massive serve and net skills. We remember his serving at the 2024 Wimbledon where he defeated top names such as Sebastian Korda. Mpetshi Perricard’s ability to dominate with first-strike tennis makes him a dangerous opponent. In 2025, he’s likely to be seeded at Wimbledon, and his serve and strong ground strokes could carry him far.
5. Jakub Mensik (Czech Republic, Age 19, World No. 17)
Jakub Mensik, the youngest player in the top 20 at 19, is an emerging talent on all surfaces. His big serve and heavy forehand suit the grass surface, though his experience is limited. Mensik’s aggressive style and fearless play against top opponents suggest he might adapt quickly to grass, it will be interesting to follow the young Czech these summer tournaments.
