Sports Betting Articles
The Contenders For the Women's Wimbledon Title
By Philip Oliver
Maria Sharapova (3.8 to win) will start as favourite and is always a dangerous player on grass. She announced herself as a serious contender on the tour by winning Wimbledon in 2004 and increased her grand slam haul by winning the US open in 2006 and this year's Australian. She is one of five Russians currently ranked in the world top 10 and is certainly the most likely to triumph thanks to her heavy serve and powerful hitting.
Serena Williams (5.2) is returning to her best after a period plagued by injuries and loss of form. Wimbledon winner in 2002 and 2003 and owner of six other grand slam trophies, she has won more majors than anyone on the tour and will be well-backed to add to her collection in London. She usually plays herself into form in the early part of tournaments and is my selection to win if she reaches the quarter finals.
Ana Ivanovic (6.2) is the latest star to emerge from Eastern Europe and arrives at Wimbledon having replaced the retired Justine Henin as the world number one. Champion at the French open and runner-up in Melbourne, she is in fine form and proved herself adept on the unfamiliar grass surface by reaching last year's semi finals.
Four time winner and reigning champion Venus Williams (6.6) has the ultimate Wimbledon pedigree having reached the final six times in the last eight years. Her world ranking of seven (one below her sister) and poor showings at other majors - she has not reached the final of another grand slam since 2003 - counts for nothing in SW19. She has perhaps the best serve in the game and will be tough to beat if her precision baseline hitting is again in evidence.
Jelena Jankovic (16) is the last contender to be on offer at relatively low odds. She completes a Serbian one-two at the top of the rankings but will receive plenty of British support after winning last year's mixed doubles title with Brit Jamie Murray. A semi finalist at both of this year's grand slams, doubts remain about her ability to beat the best in the latter stages, although she did win the Rome Masters in May.
Another popular winner would be Lindsay Davenport (44). The amiable American is now 32 and is regaining her feet on the tour after having a baby, but still possesses the experience and grass court attributes to do well. She missed the French open and might struggle to last the distance and is very much an outside bet to repeat her 1999 victory.
World number four Svetlana Kuznetsova (46) reached the last four in Paris and is a sound bet for at least a quarter final place, a stage she has reached three times in five Wimbledon appearances. However, respective win records of 1 - 4 against Serena Williams and 1 - 5 against Ivanovic suggest a final appearance might be too much to ask.
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