Four different winners in the past four years (Mauresmo, Sharapova and both Williams sisters) suggest an openness that could well be repeated this time around. An array of players catch the eye: five previous finalists inhabit the top 10, Venus Williams is lurking at no. 24 in the seedings and five Russians inside the top 20 – not including Sharapova – are intent on showing once and for all they are more than just also-rans on grass.
The starting prices reflect how open the draw is: no player is shorter than 3/1 and all but three are available at double figures. Serena Williams is favourite going into the event, a consequence not only of her impressive record at SW19 but also her remarkable comeback from injury to claim the eighth Grand Slam of her career in January. Her unexpected Australian Open victory proved that, contrary to her critics’ claims, she still had the appetite to succeed at the highest level.
Martin Hingis is a fascinating prospect. In the pre-Williams era she was the undisputed crown of grass court tennis but there has been little evidence, despite her impressive return to the professional ranks over the last couple of years, that her game of touch and guile can prevail against the power play of stronger opponents. Nevertheless, at 50/1 she will attract each-way interest and her price will come in if she progresses to the quarter-finals. As ninth seed she should avoid the big guns until the second week.
Reigning champion Amelie Mauresmo looks a big price at 11/1 and Ana Ivanovic – who reached the French Open final after a shock semi-final win over Sharapova – demands attention at 18/1. The 19-year-old Serbian goes into Wimbledon in confident mood.
Last 10 finals
2006 Mauresmo bt Henin-Hardenne 2-6, 6-3, 6-4
2005 V Williams bt Davenport 4-6, 7-6, 9-7
2004 Sharapova bt S Williams 6-1, 6-4
2003 S Williams bt V Williams 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
2002 S Williams bt V Williams 7-6, 6-3
2001 V Williams bt Henin
2000 V Williams bt Davenport 6-3, 7-6
1999 Davenport bt Graf
1998 Novotna bt Tauziat
1997 Hingis bt Novotna
• All prices correct at time of writing.
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