The most fascinating grand slam of all is just around the corner with a completely different surface for the players to get used to. So with that in mind, here are the top ten contenders heading into Wimbledon.
1. Karolina Pliskova
The Us Open finalist is having quite the rise at the top of the Women’s game. Currently World number three, she has the game to win the tile at SW19 this year. A big serve with her groundstrokes always angling away from the opponent she has the perfect game to win on the grass courts of Wimbledon. If she can stay physically fit last year’s Semi-Finalist can go two steps further and win the title.
2. Petra Kvitova
The two time Wimbledon champion, who has just recovered from hand surgery, will no doubt be a danger on this surface. Her lefty serve and devastating movement can push anyone to their limits on this surface. She can beat any game style on this surface as she proved in her two finals in London against Maria Sharapova and Eugenie Bouchard. Although the Czech Republican will be rusty, despite playing two matches at Roland Garros, the surface fits her perfectly and this time of year could rejuvenate her career.
3. Victoria Azarenka
The Belarusian returns to the tour this week in Mallorca and will no doubt be one of the danger women come Wimbledon. Her powerful game is effective on any surface but is especially dangerous on the quick grass courts. She will test the very best to their limits and will hope to be fighting fit for the biggest slam of the year. Of course injuries and rustiness are a concern, however the two time finalist will hope to go one step further in 2017.
4. Garbine Muguruza
The 2015 finalist will hope to prove a serious threat come SW19, in two weeks time. Despite some injuries this year, she looks in good condition to mount a serious challenge. Her big serve matched with her effective net skills and big forehands will prove to be a big challenge for anyone in the Spaniard’s path. She also has the experience of winning seven matches over two weeks which will be crucial in the final stages of the tournament. If Muguruza wants to be back in the top ten, then she will have to step up here. I believe she will do this and is one of the tournament favourites for Wimbledon.
5. Angelique Kerber
Who can forget the lacklustre World number one, who has been dreadful this season. However we cannot forget her as the combination of power and intelligence could rejuvenate her season. Last year’s finalist will be looking to go one step further as she aims to win her third major of her career. The pressure will mount but I believe that she can make a decent run at SW19 to prove why she is the world number one at the moment.
