Novak Djokovic is gearing up to defend the legacy of Wimbledon's golden generation amidst fierce competition from rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. As the tournament kicks off on Monday, the odds are against the 37-year-old seven-time champion and holder of 24 Grand Slam titles.

Arriving in London post-knee surgery, Djokovic has witnessed his dominance wane in 2024. He was dethroned as Australian Open champion by Sinner, who also took his world number one ranking. At the French Open, Djokovic's reign ended with Alcaraz clinching the title as Djokovic exited with a torn meniscus in his right knee.

If Djokovic wins, he will match Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles and become the oldest modern-era champion. "I have this incredible desire to play, just to compete," Djokovic said, set to face 123rd-ranked Vit Kopriva in his opener on Tuesday.

With Federer retired, Rafael Nadal focusing on the Paris Olympics, and Andy Murray recovering from a back operation, Wimbledon 2024 marks a significant shift. Alexander Zverev predicts it will be the "most open in 20 years," likely the first men's final since 2002 without one of the 'Big Four'.

Alcaraz, at 21, has already won three majors and aims to complete a rare French Open-Wimbledon double this season. "I know that it's going to be a really difficult and big challenge for me, but I think I'm ready to do it," said the Spaniard, who plays Mark Lajal of Estonia on Monday.

Sinner, 22, reached the Wimbledon semi-finals last year and recently won his first grass-court title. With four titles in 2024, he faces Germany's Yannick Hanfmann in his opener.

Wimbledon also sees an emotional farewell to two-time champion Murray, who plans to retire at the Olympics. Ranked 115, Murray's participation is in doubt due to a cyst removal on his spine and ongoing ankle issues. "It's complicated, and it's made more complicated because I want to play at Wimbledon one more time," said Murray, scheduled to play Tomas Machac on Tuesday.

In the women's event, world number one Iga Swiatek, fresh from a fourth French Open title, arrives on a 19-match win streak, facing Sofia Kenin in the first round. US Open champion Coco Gauff starts against Caroline Dolehide, aiming to overcome last year's first-round exit.

Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is uncertain due to a shoulder injury, scheduled to face Emina Bektas on Monday. Defending champion Marketa Vondrousova aims for a repeat, though no woman has successfully defended the title since Serena Williams in 2016.