What's next for RG 2023 protagonists?

Iga Swiatek

World No.1 Swiatek has been living the dream in Paris, posing for pictures with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop.

The 22-year-old marked 'Poland-Garros' with her third title on the terre battue, her fourth Grand Slam in total.

However, she is still seeking her major breakthrough on grass. The Wimbledon girls' champion in 2018 has a fourth round best at SW19 - back in 2021. 

Last summer, the world No.1 had her sensational 37-match winning streak halted in the Wimbledon third round by Alize Cornet.

It is a monumental task to take both the Roland-Garros and Wimbledon silverware. The last woman to do so was Serena Williams in 2015.

Novak Djokovic

The majority of players or pundits believed that Djokovic would reach a men's record-extending 23rd Grand Slam sooner rather than later.

Now that the 36-year-old has edged ahead of perennial rival Rafael Nadal, he's signed off both his key career goals. The second being the most weeks at the summit of the rankings, which the Serbian leads on 387 total weeks, 10 ahead of Steffi Graf.

Djokovic relishes re-writing history and seems to possess the passion and drive to keep lifting the most prestigious prizes.

The newly reinstated world No.1 is a seven-time champion in south west London. In this form, he is red-hot favourite to retain his Wimbledon title next month.  

Karolina Muchova

Leading Swiatek by 2-0 in the third set and then a break up at 4-3 in the decider of the final against Swiatek will sting for Muchova.

On the other hand, it reassures the 26-year-old that she can hustle with the very best. The first-time Grand Slam finalist ousted Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka from 2-5 in their semi-final third set, before pushing Swiatek to the limit.

The Czech's penchant to attack the net is suited to the grass. The 2019 and 2021 Wimbledon quarter-finalist is more than capable of matching that elite run.

If she can maintain her freedom on court, recover physically and mentally from Roland-Garros, the world No.16 will be a key contender at Wimbledon and beyond in 2023.

Casper Ruud

Two Grand Slam finals in 2022, as well as successive runner-up spots at Roland-Garros, is incredibly impressive from Ruud.

The 24-year-old is oh so close to unlocking major success and it will be intriguing to see how he bounces back from another draining fortnight on the Grand Slam circuit.  

The Norwegian is up with the world's best on clay and hard courts, but in stark contrast he has struggled to find his rhythm on grass.

So far at Wimbledon the world No.4 has won just one match in three visits. Any progress here would be welcome

Aryna Sabalenka

Winning the first 12 Grand Slam matches of the season is something all players would sign up for.

Australian Open winner Sabalenka has bolstered her confidence with a career-best run at Roland-Garros into the semi-finals. Only the match-point saving heroics of Muchova stopped the 25-year-old from a showdown with Swiatek.

Such consistency, such firepower, Sabalenka is a real title threat on any surface, at any event for the foreseeable future.

She reached the semi-final at Wimbledon in 2021, and the world No.2 will be expecting at least a return to the tournament's final four next month.

The arm wrestle for the world No.1 ranking with Swiatek will be an additional subplot at SW19 too. Who will be able to handle it best?

Carlos Alcaraz

Every shot Alcraz makes gains this once-in-a-generation talent even more fans. He's fast becoming the people's champion, competing with a beaming smile and obvious joy.

However, in his Roland-Garros semi-final defeat by Djokovic, the world No.2 admitted the occasion got to him; "I have never felt that tension that I did in that match."

Alcaraz's tension made itself known across his body in cramps, which erased any chance of defeating the Serbian.

Was it a one off? We will see whether the US Open champion can learn to adjust when the adrenaline levels are high.

The Wimbledon crowd will be excited to see him compete again. A fourth round showing in 2022 offers plenty of room for improvement.