HOW THE LEADING WOMEN AND TOP AUSSIE HOPES SHAPE UP FOR WIMBLEDON STARTING ON MONDAY
SIMONA HALEP (ROM) Age: 26 Ranking: 1 Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US26,081,792 ($A35.53 million) Career titles: 17 Grand slam titles: 1 (French Open 2018) Wimbledon win-loss record: 15-7 Best Wimbledon result: Semi-finalist 2014 The world No.1 can play with new-found freedom after finally shedding her tag as the best player without a major title with a long overdue breakthrough at Roland Garros.
GARBINE MUGURUZA (ESP) Age: 24 Ranking: 3 Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US17,053,783 ($A23.23 million) Career titles: 6 Grand slam titles: 2 (French Open 2016; Wimbledon 2017) Wimbledon win-loss record: 15-4 Best Wimbledon result: Champion 2017 The powerful Spanish titleholder commands huge respect in a wide open draw following another deep run in Paris. Can blow any rival off the court on her day.
PETRA KVITOVA (CZE) Age: 28 Ranking: 8 Plays: left-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US26,738,457 ($A36.42 million) Career titles: 25 Grand slam titles: 2 (Wimbledon 2011, 2014) Wimbledon win-loss record: 30-8 Best Wimbledon results: Champion 2011, 2014 The sentimental favourite is also the bookmakers’ favourite after reaping a tour-topping five titles this season in a stunning comeback after decimating her playing hand in a shocking 2016 Christmas-time stabbing attack.
VENUS WILLIAMS (USA) Age: 38 Ranking: 9 Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US40,585,544 ($A55.29 million) Career titles: 49 Grand slam titles: 7 (Wimbledon 2000-01, 2005, 2007-08; 2014; US Open 2000-01) Wimbledon win-loss record: 87-15 Best Wimbledon results: Champion 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008
The American was runner-up last year and boast more wins at SW19 than even Serena so don’t discount the five-times champion and nine-times finalist from becoming the oldest champion ever.
ANGELIQUE KERBER (GER) Age: 30 Ranking: 11 Plays: left-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US23,394,242 ($A31.87 million) Career titles: 11 Grand slam titles: 2 (Australian Open 2016; US Open 2016) Wimbledon win-loss record: 23-10 Best Wimbledon result: Finalist 2016 Top seed last year, the German returns revitalised after a disappointing 2017 season and with the distinct advantage of a left-handed serve that has proven so potent on grass.
SERENA WILLIAMS (USA) Age: 36 Ranking: 183 Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US84,811,149 ($A115.53 million) Career titles: 72 Grand slam titles: 23 (Australian Open 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017; French Open 2002, 2013, 2015; Wimbledon 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016; US Open 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014) Wimbledon win-loss record: 86-10 Best Wimbledon results: Champion 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016 A pec muscle injury cruelled the superstar’s chances of equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam singles crowns in Paris and she’s sure to be hungry for redemption.
BEST OUTSIDER
MADISON KEYS (USA) Age: 23 Ranking: 10 Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US8,708,519 ($A11.86 million) Career titles: 3 Grand slam titles: 0 Wimbledon win-loss record: 12-5 Best Wimbledon result: Quarter-finalist 2015 Now coached by Australian David Taylor, a grand slam title seems the next step for the talented 2017 US Open runner-up and her big game is tailored for London’s hallowed lawns.
BEST AUSTRALIAN HOPES
ASHLEIGH BARTY Age: 22 Ranking: 17 Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US3,265,749 ($A4.47 million) Career titles: 2 Grand slam titles: 0 Wimbledon win-loss record: 0-2 Best Wimbledon results: First round 2012, 2017 Still to break her first-round duck but the former junior champion shapes as more than a dark horse after a stellar grass-court lead-up earned her a career-high ranking.
DARIA GAVRILOVA Age: 24 Ranking: 25 Plays: right-handed (two-handed backhand) Career prize money: $US3,161,747 ($A4.31 million) Career titles: 1 Grand slam titles: 0 Wimbledon win-loss record: 1-3 Best Wimbledon result: Second round 2016 The enigmatic star has yet to deliver on the grass but is seeded to reach the third round for the first time and a run to the second week wouldn’t surprise.
