Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Meet the TOP 5 women's contenders at Wimbledon

Last updated on: June 30, 2018 13:04 IST

Can world No. 1 Simona Halep thrive at the All England Club? Or will Serena Williams add to her seven Wimbledon titles?

Check out the top women's contenders at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships, which get underway on Monday, July 2.

Simona Halep (Romania)

Simona Halep

World ranking: 1

Born: September 27, 1991 (Age 26)

Height: 1.68 metres

Plays: Right-handed

Grand Slam titles: 1 (French Open 2018)

WTA match record in 2018 (won-lost): 35-6

2018 WTA titles: 2

Biggest weapon: Halep's speed, shot placement and remarkable anticipation earned her a first Grand Slam title last month and the same qualities can help the Romanian thrive at the All England Club.

Biggest weakness: Despite her French Open triumph, Halep has a reputation for folding under the pressure of big matches.

Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark)

Caroline Wozniacki

Born: July 11, 1990 (Age 27)

Height: 1.77 metres

Plays: Right-handed

World ranking: 2

Grand Slam titles: 1 (Australian Open 2018)

WTA match record in 2018 (won-lost): 26-9

2018 WTA titles: 1

Biggest weapon: The fierce Dane is not one to back down from a fight and is ruthless in attack as she grinds her opponents down with her persistence.

Biggest weakness: Wozniacki has a tendency to get drawn into long rallies at the baseline rather than finding a killer shot or moving closer to the net and finishing off her opponent.

Garbine Muguruza (Spain)

Garbine Muguruza

World ranking: 3

Born: October 8, 1993 (Age 24)

Height: 1.82 metres

Plays: Right-handed

Grand Slam titles: 2 (French Open 2016; Wimbledon 2017)

WTA match record in 2018 (won-lost): 21-11

2018 WTA titles: 1

Biggest weapon: Defending champion Muguruza has always proclaimed that grass is her least favourite surface but the intimidating Spaniard's hard-hitting shots and unwavering tenacity are not to be messed with.

Biggest weakness: Muguruza tends to lose sight of the bigger picture and focus too much on being a perfectionist on occasion, a trait that opponents can take advantage of to rattle the world number three.

Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic)

Petra Kvitova

World ranking: 8

Born: March 8, 1990 (Age 28)

Height: 1.82 metres

Plays: Left-handed

Grand Slam titles: 2 (Wimbledon 2011, 2014)

WTA match record in 2018 (won-lost): 37-7

2018 WTA titles: 5

Biggest weapon: As she has shown throughout her impressive comeback, Kvitova's powerful groundstrokes and perfect timing can be too much for her opponents to handle.

Biggest weakness: The Czech is not known for her court coverage on the tour, giving her opponents a chance to exploit her slower pace.

Serena Williams (US)

Serena Williams

World ranking: 183

Born: September 26, 1981 (Age 36)

Height: 1.75 metres

Plays: Right-handed

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)

WTA match record in 2018 (won-lost): 5-2

2018 WTA titles: 0

Biggest weapon: One of the greatest players in the women's game, Serena has shown signs of returning to her best during her comeback and the American's punishing groundstrokes can unravel any opponent.

Biggest weakness: Serena has struggled with injuries and consistency since returning to the court after the birth of her daughter.

NOTE: The 2018 match record of the players do not include results from the ongoing WTA event in Eastbourne.

Photographs: Getty Images

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.