As the action gets under way at the All England Club this week, let us profile five women who have the potential to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish:
Lucie Safarova
A semi-finalist a year ago, Safarova reached the French Open final, toppling Maria Sharapova, Garbine Muguruza and Ana Ivanovic along the way. She pushed Serena Williams in the final and that performance should give her plenty of confidence.
Madison Keys
The American, 20, was picked as Williams’ natural successor by Chris Evert and John McEnroe. An Australian Open semi-finalist, Keys can prove them right with a favourable draw.
Karolina Pliskova
Her draw is not easy with a third-round tie against Samantha Stosur then Lucie Safarova, Maria Sharapova and Williams if the seeds hold. But the Czech, 23, has the weapons to down any player, including a rocket serve, which is invaluable on grass.
Timea Bacsinszky
The Swiss, 26, one of the most creative players on tour, reached the semis of the French Open. If she beats big-serving Sabine Lisicki in the third round, she could go far.
Angelique Kerber
One of a trio of players to win three titles this year, with Williams and Simona Halep, the German’s confidence this season was evident in the Birmingham final against Pliskova, who hit 52 winners.
More Wimbledon preview news:
[ – ‘Serena Slam’ firmly in sight for dominant Williams despite recent Wimbledon struggles ]
[ – Will latest crop of female players follow in the footsteps of past Wimbledon teenage stars? ]
[ – Poll: Who will win the 2015 Ladies’ Wimbledon singles title? ]
arizvi@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at NatSportUAE