The grass courts at SW19 are primed, the rain clouds (and court covers) are ready, and world number one Justine Henin is eager to kick off her pursuit of the only Grand Slam title that has managed to elude her.
Monday’s start of action at the Championships at Wimbledon will see the top player in the world holding court, along with Jelena Jankovic, Serena Williams, and Martina Hingis.
Key Matches on Monday, June 25
(3) Jelena Jankovic vs. Anne Keothavong
Jelena Jankovic has the distinction of being the second top star to grace Centre Court this year, however by the end of the day, British fans might have been hoping that the draw had dictated another person to play Jelena. Anne Keothavong is one of the brightest stars to come out of the United Kingdom in recent years, and despite her slow ascent into the pros, she has made waves both in her homeland and abroad. On paper, she has no chance against the world number three, but don’t forget that Jankovic is coming off of a hamstring injury that she sustained at the Ordina Open last week.
My Pick to Win: Jankovic cruises – and crushes – in her opening round match.
(1) Justine Henin vs. Jorgelina Cravero
Can Justine Henin finally win Wimbledon? That question still remains to be answered, however it is safe to assume that she won’t be tumbling out in the first round – and especially to someone who is at a career high of No. 117 in the world. With the title at Eastbourne resting comfortably in her possession, Justine could not be more confident and ready to win yet another major title under the watchful eyes of her newly reconciled family.
My Pick to Win: Justine opens with a blistering straight sets win and fails to drop more than six games.
(9) Martina Hingis vs. Naomi Cavaday
If there is going to be a big upset on day one at Wimbledon, this will be it. Naomi Cavaday could not have handpicked a better seed to open against than Martina Hingis, who is finally competing for the first time since before Roland Garros after injuring her hip. The Swiss Miss is without match-play on any surface and with the endearing British crowd behind her, Naomi Cavaday may just be able to score the biggest upset of her career in front of her home crowd. I’m not superstitious, but it does warrant noting that the match is scheduled to take place on the “Graveyard” court.
My Pick to Win: Martina Hingis struggles, but reaches the 2nd round at Wimbledon for the fifth time in her career.
(7) Serena Williams vs. Lourdes Dominguez Lino
If Serena Williams realized one thing from her quarterfinal loss against Justine Henin at Paris it should have been that she needed to play more matches to boost her ranking before she hit Wimbledon. As it stands, Serena retreated after losing and has only surfaced this week. Not playing a warm-up cost her on the rankings and once again, she may be up against Justine in the quarters. She has talked big headed into Wimbledon about her chances, however the real question remains about whether she is ready and determined enough to play big.
My Pick to Win: Serena struggles finding momentum, but still finds her feet on grass.
Amelie Says
About her feelings as defending champion:
“I don’t know if you can really put some specific words on that. Just an overall good feeling. You feel proud and happy and really enjoying the moment. Yeah, what else can I say? I’m just really looking forward to start the tournament.”
On the changes to Centre Court:
“I went to see a little bit when I first came here. It really is a little bit different. Not as closed as it used to be. Maybe could change a little bit the conditions of play. Maybe I guess could be a little bit more windy. We’ll have to see in the next couple days how players feel about it. But, again, it’s just a step for this year. I guess everything is going to come back the way it should be for 2008.”
About her health:
“I’m feeling good now. I’m hoping it’s really going to keep up like this and even improve. You know, you put out some work to recover from surgery and everything.
You really just try to push yourself every practice, to be back at your best level, which is not so easy. It’s finally satisfying to see that things are coming back and paying off.”
On Justine Henin’s winning streak:
“She’s unbeatable for the last three or four weeks. Let’s hope she’s not for the next couple.”
What’s Happening in Wimbledon
Path to the finals
If the seedings hold, look for Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova, Jelena Jankovic, and Amelie Mauresmo in the final four.
I’m the best, boasts Serena
Sorry Serena, but you’ll have to prove that next Saturday.
Harsh lessons of Wimbledon
A cautionary tale from the lives of Mirjana Lucic and Jelena Dokic.
Where’s Gene Kelly?
Don’t look for Maria Sharapova in Stowe, Vermont next month.
USA Television Listings for Monday
Wake up to Wimbledon – ESPN2 – 7:00 am to 8:00 am (Daily Preview Show)
Early Round Coverage (Day 1) – ESPN2 – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (LIVE)
