Five outside shouts for ladies’ singles title at Wimbledon 2015
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Despite last winning Wimbledon in 2012, women’s world number one Serena Williams is Coral’s firm 13/8 favourite for a sixth Grand Slam success on grass. It recent years, however, it’s not always been a leading candidates with the bookies that has landed ladies’ singles success in SW19.
Marion Bartoli, now a commentator, was a surprise winner two years ago, and reigning champion Petra Kvitova did not enjoy the tag of pre-tournament favourite for either of her triumphs.
That got our experts thinking; who are this year’s outside shouts to win Wimbledon in the women’s draw? Here are five we’ve picked out for punters to ponder.
Top Romanian pro Halep reached the semi-finals last season where she lost to runner-up Eugenie Bouchard (even longer at 50/1 following a dramatic loss in form). Currently third in the world, according to the WTA rankings, grass is not her favoured surface, but Wimbledon showing last season suggests the 23-year-old is improving.
Sabine Lisicki (18/1)
A losing finalist to Bartoli two years ago, German number two Lisicki has clear preference for this Grand Slam. She has reached the quarter-finals or better in each of the last five Wimbledon women’s tournaments she’s turn out at. Lisicki looks a real dark horse here after smashing a record 27 aces in her second round match at the AEGON Classic in Birmingham, as a strong serve is key on grass.
Polish player Radwanska is a former girls’ champion at SW19, and lost in three sets to Serena back in 2012. Grass has probably been her more consistent surface, so she could be a punt.
Lucie Safarova (18/1)
Top Czech racket star Safarova has catapulted herself up the WTA world rankings to number six after reaching the French Open final. She reached the last four at Wimbledon in 2014 and, on current form, will expect to better the semis this time round.
This American talent is the young pretender to compatriots the Williams sisters. Stephens stunned Serena at the Australian Open earlier this season, so on her day can beat the best in the world. That justifies her as a dark horse.
