The women’s draw revealed on Friday morning at Wimbledon has made way for some juicy match-ups right from the very first round.
Whether it’s veterans facing off, youngsters on the rise or two strugglers searching for form… there is something for everyone in this fascinating women’s draw.
Here are just a few of an endless list of blockbuster showdowns set to take place in the Wimbledon opening round…
Agnieszka Radwanska v Jelena Jankovic
A former Wimbledon runner-up against an ex-world No1 in the first round of a Slam? Both Radwanska and Jankovic will not be pleased with this draw.
Ashleigh Barty v Elina Svitolina
Barty loves playing on grass, won Wimbledon as a junior, and recently made the Birmingham final. Svitolina made the Wimbledon junior final but has never really wowed on the surface as a pro. Svitolina is seeded No4 though and is having an incredible 2017, while Barty is also putting together a strong season after quitting the sport and trying out cricket for a while.
Victoria Azarenka v Catherine ‘Cici’ Bellis
A real tricky one for the former world No1 with Bellis showing unbelievable poise this season despite being just 18 years old. Azarenka is still short on match play – she’s played just two matches in 11 months – and could find it tough to keep up with the ever-so-solid Bellis.
Dominika Cibulkova v Andrea Petkovic
Neither have been doing well recently but it’s still a tough opener for both that has lots of entertainment potential.
Monica Puig v Timea Bacsinszky
A contest between the reigning Olympic champion and the recent French Open semi-finalist. Tough one to call.
Carla Suarez Navarro v Eugenie Bouchard
Grass is not Suarez Navarro’s best surface at all wile Bouchard, despite her struggles, can decide to find her best form any day by flipping a switch.
Ana Konjuh v Sabine Lisicki
Konjuh recently destroyed Azarenka in Mallorca while 2013 runner-up Lisicki is back on tour after a lengthy absence. Could be a power-hitting contest.
Svetlana Kuznetsova v Ons Jabeur
Expect lots of variety, as both players attempt to outwit each other. Especially on grass, this could be really fun. Find out what Kuznetsova has said about Jabeur.