Kerber headlines women’s draw

Originally published on 30/06/17 00:00

The German, who was defeated by Johanna Konta in Eastbourne this week, is in the same half of the draw as Karolina Pliskova and she could encounter Garbine Muguruza at the fourth round stage. Svetlana Kuznestova or Agnieszka RadwaÜska could challenge last year’s finalist in the last eight.

Pliskova will launch her bid for a first Grand Slam title against Russian, Evgeniya Rodina. The attack-minded Czech is scheduled to meet Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova at the fourth round stage and Caroline Wozniacki, currently enjoying her time in Eastbourne, is a potential last eight opponent.

In the other half of the draw, second seed, Simona Halep, will commence against a qualifier or a lucky loser. The French Open finalist could meet home favourite, Laura Robson, in the second round and Konta, Victoria Azarenka and Petra Kvitova are also in her loaded quarter.

Elina Svitolina, who is scheduled to meet Halep in the semi-finals, is currently nursing a foot injury. The Ukrainian has been given a tough first round assignment and she will take on Ashleigh Barty, who reached the final of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham earlier this month.

Svitolina could meet Madison Keys in the fourth round and five-time winner, Venus Williams, is a potential quarter-final opponent.

Victoria Azarenka will make her long-awaited Grand Slam return against talented American, Catherine Bellis. The Belarusian could encounter Elena Vesnina in the second round and Halep is a possible last sixteen rival.

Konta, who was forced to pull out of the Aegon International in Eastbourne prior to her semi-final match due to a back injury she sustained in her last eight win over Kerber, is scheduled to begin her Wimbledon campaign against Su-Wei Hsieh.

The British No.1 has failed to produce her best in SW19 and she could play Roberta Vinci in the third round. Konta could also encounter Kvitova in the early stages of the second week.

Robson will begin against Beatriz Haddad Maia and Heather Watson will hope to continue her fine form against Maryna Zanevska. Naomi Broady will take on Irina-Camelia Begu and wildcard entry, Katie Boulter, will face Christina McHale.

Other notable first round matches include Radwanska against Jelena Jankovic and Venus Williams versus Elise Mertens. French Open champion, Jelena Ostapenko, will take on Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here