Wimbledon Preview: Day One

The 2008 Wimbledon Championships begins on Monday as 128 players vie for the biggest prize in tennis.

World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic leads the charge on day one, along with 2004 US Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova, and former Wimbledon champions Serena Williams and Amelie Mauresmo.

Tania’s Picks for Monday

Thirty-two women’s matches are scheduled for day one, with players spanning from countries across the globe. Here’s hoping the weather will hold up as we get into an awesome two weeks of tennis. Happy viewing everyone!

6 – Serena Williams (USA) vs. Kaia Kanepi (EST)
This is the match of the round. Kaia Kanepi was a surprise quarter finalist at the French Open this year and she will be carrying that confidence into Wimbledon. However this is a tough ask–coming up against the ever powerful and intimidating Serena Williams. Serena bypassed any pre-tournament events and may be slow to start against the emerging Estonian; nevertheless she should get through quite comfortably.
Serena Williams in 2 sets

12 – Patty Schnyder (SUI) vs. Casey Dellacqua (AUS)
Casey Dellacqua has had a great year to date, notably with her French Open doubles runner-up trophy with partner Francesca Schiavone. This will be a challenging first round match for the Australian, with Patty Schnyder coming off a quarter-finals showing on clay just a few weeks earlier. Casey is much-improved and has a good chance here however she may find it difficult (both mentally and physically) to outplay the unpredictable Swiss.
Patty Schnyder in 3 sets

14 – Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) vs. Iveta Benesova (CZE)
Radwanska has had the perfect preparation coming into Wimbledon after a hard-fought victory over Petrova at Eastbourne. She has a potential fourth round clash with the inconsistent Kuznetsova; Agnieszka is the dark horse in the women’s draw and must fancy herself to move into the second week.
Agnieszka Radwanska in 2 sets

She Said What?

Venus Williams about the advantages of being the defending champion:
“I think the advantage is that you won last year and it will never be taken away from you. It will always be yours, and you can hug the plate at night if it gets cold.”

What Else is Happening at Wimbledon?

Martina Picks Ana
Former champion Martina Hingis has picked world number one Ana Ivanovic to win the singles title at Wimbledon.

Ai Sugiyama Ready to Make History
Ai Sugiyama will set a new record of 57 consecutive main draw appearances at a Grand Slam after she contests her first round match.

The Return of Drew Lilley
Drew Lilley is back reprising his role as official blogger of the Wimbledon Championships. Click on the link above to read On the Baseline’s recent interview with him.

USA Television Schedule

Monday, June 23, 2008
Early Round Day 1 – ESPN2 – 7:00 am – 5:00 pm (LIVE)

*All times are Eastern.