The Wimbledon Championships begin next Monday with no defending champion, since the 2013 winner of the tournament, Marion Bartoli, has since retired. Who will step up and win in England?
1. Serena Williams
It’s Serena’s tournament to lose, even though she’s failed to reach the quarterfinals in each of the first two Grand Slam tournaments of the season, at the Australian Open and the French Open. Serena didn’t do or show much of anything in her second-round loss at the French Open. That should cause some concerns for this tournament, but she’s excellent on grass, more than on clay. She still has the tools to win Wimbledon. She’s better than anyone else on the circuit.
2. Maria Sharapova
The French Open champion plays great defense and can hit a low, penetrating backhand. She can still go far in this tournament if her serve becomes a little more consistent. If Sharapova doesn’t have to play Serena until the final of the tournament, she should get to the final and would be a favorite to win if Serena’s not there on the last day of the women’s part of the tennis festival held at the All-England Club.
3. Victoria Azarenka
Azarenka participated in a warm-up tournament for Wimbledon, her first event as a professional since an injury knocked her out of the Indian Wells hardcourt tournament in the middle of March. Azarenka is not a top favorite to win here, but if her first few matches don’t involve too much stress, she might be able to get to a position where she can play her way into the tournament and possibly make some noise.
4. Simona Halep
No one in women’s tennis seems to think that Halep is going to run out of steam anytime soon. This is a player who looks like a star, someone who is going to be around for a long time. Halep is a very alert and responsive player. She hits the ball flat and reads opponents well. She can cover the court and is not intimidated against big hitters. She will be in the mix, but she might be mentally tired after her run to the French Open final.
5. Agnieszka Radwanska
There’s an opportunity for Radwanska to make some noise here. She reached the semifinals of last year’s tournament and barely lost in a tough third set to Sabine Lisicki. She reached the final the year before and was denied by Serena Williams in a third set. Radwanska is a clever player, someone who can create winning patterns on grass. She shouldn’t be forgotten.
6. Petra Kvitova
The 2011 Wimbledon champion can always hit opponents off the court if she’s focused. The only problem is that she’s not consistently focused. If Kvitova ever gains more concentration, she can roll to the title. At present, she’s a dark horse.
7. Li Na
Li Na is similar to Kvitova, only she’s exhibited a little more consistency. Yet, this player is too scattered and undependable to be seen as a top favorite in England. She’s a dangerous player, but one who probably won’t reach the final.
8. Eugenie Bouchard
No young player in women’s tennis has been better than Simona Halep this season, but Bouchard comes close. The Canadian has made two major semifinals in Australia and France. She will try for a third semifinal at the All-England Club, but the odds are probably going to cut against her here.
