Penpics of the favourites for the women's singles title at Wimbledon which gets under way at the All England Club here on Monday (ATP world rankings in brackets):
MARIA SHARAPOVA (RUS x2)
PROSPECTS: The new star of the women's game exploded on to the scene at Wimbledon last year when she won at 18 years old. Since then she has moved to second in the world rankings and looks set to win more Grand Slam titles. Was roundly beaten on clay in Paris, but she loves grass and has a 17-match unbeaten streak on the surface following her second win at Birmingham.
HENIN-HARDENNE (BEL x7)
PROSPECTS: Came back from an injury-hit year to win her second French Open title at the end of a 24-match unbeaten run. Needs a win at Wimbledon to complete her set of Grand Slam titles. Grass is her least favourite surface, but she did come close in 2001 losing in three sets to Venus Williams. Has beefed up her serve and much will depend on how she has recuperated from a nagging lower back and the fatigue she felt after winning in Paris.
SERENA WILLIAMS (USA x4)
PROSPECTS: Has not played since mid-May due to an injury to her left ankle and it is not clear just how fit she will be for Wimbledon. But if her fitness is uncertain there can be no doubting her mental strength following her gutsy win in the Australian Open in January. Could be vulnerable in the early rounds, but if she gets on a steady run, will be hard to beat.
KIM CLIJSTERS (BEL x17)
PROSPECTS: Made a remarkable comeback earlier this year from months out of the game with a wrist injury only for a twisted knee to set her back once again. Looked to be in fine form at the French Open only for her game to fall apart against Lindsay Davenport. All will depend on if the knee injury has healed completely. Has the game to win on grass.
LINDSAY DAVENPORT (USA x1)
PROSPECTS: Possibly in her last year on the tour, the 29-year-old Davenport has held on to the world No 1 spot despite playing below par. Has not won Wimbledon since 1999, but she is a top-class performer on grass and if her motivation is where it should be, she can challenge for her fourth Grand Slam title.
VENUS WILLIAMS (USA x16)
PROSPECTS: Twice a winner at Wimbledon in 2000 and 2001 and a finalist four years in a row until 2003, she has the best record at the All England club of any player. But the signs are increasingly there that she has lost her ability to impose her athleticism on opponents. Lost to a 15-year-old at the French Open and has made little effort at preparing for Wimbledon.
AMELIE MAURESMO (FRA x3)
PROSPECTS: Looked set to reach the final last year before she once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Serena Williams in the semis. Undoubted talent has won her many titles on the WTA circuit but she struggles to cope mentally and tactically with Grand Slam tennis and its two weeks of play. That will be the key for her once again.
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