Greg's 2007 Wimbledon Preview (the women)

Justine Henin likes to play down the importance of completing a career grand slam. But I am quite certain the ambitious Belgian, ranked number one in the world, wants to win Wimbledon very badly to go along with a trophy collection that includes 4 French Opens, the 2005 Australian Open, the 2003 U.S. Upen and the 2004 Olympic gold medal. She's made to finals at the All England Club but could have a big obstacle this year in the quarterfinals: two-time champ Serena Williams who HAS won all of tennis' slams.
Henin is committed and fit and, I think is the one to beat. But there are at least three other women who could also be holding the championship plate over their head on finals day.


Maria Sharapova, seeded second, has had a lackluster season mostly due to injury but she can rise to the occasion at a major which she displayed in winning Wimbledon in 2004 and last year's U.S. Open. She was blown away by Serena in the finals of the Australian Open in January but gritted her way to the semifinals at the French a few weeks ago and made it to the Birmingham final last Sunday. Defending champion Amelie Mauresmo has had few highlights since her win here last year. She has been injured but I also gotta figure that getting the grand slam monkey off her back (she won two major in 2006) might have affected her motivation. I think if she can beat Henin in the final at Eastbourne tomorrow, I'll feel a lot better about her chances of going all the way at the Big W. She's got the game, she needs to have the motivation.
Then there is Serena Williams, seeded way down at number 7 as she continues to lack in points due to how little she plays. It drives me crazy that her ranking is not higher because it means a Henin-Serena quarterfinal instead of final. That's what happened at the French Open where Justine won in straight sets. Serena, unless she pulls up lame, should be able to put up a much bigger fight on the grass. She never plays warm-up tourneys so it's tough to assess her form but we know she can come from nowhere and win a grand slam. If she can get past Henin - and I think she can - she will win the tournament.
Three-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams is seeded even lower than her little sister at 24. Because of that, she could face Sharapova in the fourth round which is too early for two former champs. Venus beat Maria on her way to the 2005 title and when they face off, it's a result that is tough to predict. I sxay whoever wins that match has a good chance of making the final against either Serena or Henin.
My pick to win: Serena Williams

Deuce! is about all things tennis - from the pro game down to the
local level. It is anchored by Daily News Staff Writer Greg Hernandez
who has profiled such players as Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean
King, and the Bryan brothers. Greg is looking to complete the
spectator's grand slam with a visit to the Australian Open someday
soon. He has already been to Wimbledon, the French Open and the U.S.
Open.