Youngsters Robson and Watson look to impress
There is plenty of British interest at Wimbledon Tennis Championships this year. Andy Murray will get a lot of home support naturally, as he goes in search of his first ever Grand Slam. He has been going through tough times this season after reaching the final of the Australian Grand Slam and losing there to Roger Federer. He looks to be lacking a bit of confidence in himself, and needs to channel his aggression and little bit better. He is the only Brit in the top 100 of the ATP rankings, and naturally there will be a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Likewise with the only British women in the top 100 of the WTA rankings, Elena Baltacha, who has been enjoying a wonderful season. Baltacha has picked up some notable wins this year, beating Jie Zheng, along with Na Li, and battled well in her first set against Sam Stosur in the quarter finals at Eastbourne. Baltacha is currently sitting at her highest ranking ever of 52, and she looks to be getting better and stronger all the time. There will be a lot of cheers for her at Wimbledon, as she takes on world #77 Petra Martic of Croatia in the first round. A win there would earn her a great tie against World Number 11 Marion Bartoli in the second round.
Two notable Brits have been handed wildcard entries into Wimbledon, and will be worth keeping an eye on, as they are the future of British tennis. Heather Watson, who seems to have a permanent smile on her face, is good future talent, having won the US Open junior title, and crushed Aleksandra Wozniak last year (who is ranked 296 places higher than her in the world standings). 18 year old Watson goes up against qualifier Romina Sarina Oprandi from Italy in the first round, who stands at 140th in the world rankings, and stands a good chance of progressing. But perhaps more eyes will be on sixteen year old Laura Robson, who will be taking centre stage on Monday. The powerful, talented youngster really has the tennis world at her feet. Robson is a former junior Wimbledon champion, and she steps out onto Centre Court for the first time ever as she faces number four seed Jelena Jankovic in the first round. That will be a huge moment for her, as she continues to grow and develop into such a promising player. The Aussie born Brit put on a great show last year when she took Daniela Hantuchova to three sets in the first round. Britain also have Anne Keothavong, Katie 0’Brien and Melanie South in first round action on the first two days.
Elena Baltacha to win: 7/19 at Bwin
Petra Martic to win: 5/2 at SkyBet
Jelena Jankovic to win: 1/8 at Boylesports
Laura Robson to win: 13/2 at 888Sport
Heather Watson to win: 9/10 at Victor Chandler
Romina Oprandi to win: Evens at Bet365
