Some Early Wimbledon Predictions

The safest Wimbledon predictions involve choosing a Williams sister and either Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal as winners. Combinations of this double have occurred six times in the last eight years, but this apparent narrow
choice in the winning double is much wider in 2011.

Both Serena and Williams have struggled with injuries recently, with the former yet to play after lifting the famous Rosewater dish for the fourth time last year. She is a serious doubt to even be fit to defend her title and whilst it is dangerous to rule out Venus on her favourite surface, it is a good idea to look elsewhere for the 2011 ladies' champion and those investigating the sports betting should remember this.

The two other likeliest winners have not produced their best form at SW19. Kim Clijsters has never reached a Wimbledon final, a record that is at odds with her eight appearances in other slam finals, whilst world number one Caroline Wozniacki has not progressed past the fourth round in four attempts.

Wozniacki won the 2006 junior title, so has the game to triumph at Wimbledon and is probably the player to beat if Serena is absent. Vera Zvonareva had an even worse Wimbledon record before reaching the final last year and is a sound bet for a last four place, but Wozniacki appears the more likely to win her maiden slam at SW19 (if neither has broke their duck at Roland Garros).

Petra Kvitova and Tsvetana Pironkova were surprise semi finalists last year but only the former has built on that performance. Her canny use of a left-handed serve makes her ideally suited to Wimbledon and another good run beckons, something anyone planning to bet in-play should keep an eye on.

Australian Open runner-up Li Na is another who has the attributes to dwell on grass and compatriot Zheng Jie, doubles champion in 2006 and semi finalist in singles two years later should also be closely followed.

Maria Sharapova is the only possible past winner apart from the Williams sisters to select and a decent US hard court season suggests she is over the injury problems that have derailed her career – she has not reached a slam semi final since winning in Australia in 2008 and a last four place is an attractive bet.