Not everybody in the first week played close to their best tennis. Maybe they'll have a pause Sunday and come out at a little higher level.
But there's probably going to be some upsets in the second week.
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Pam's Picks |
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|  | | Shriver |
Former WTA Tour pro Pam Shriver is providing ESPN.com with in-depth analysis throughout Wimbledon. Shriver, a tennis analyst for ESPN, reached a high ranking of No. 3 in singles play. She won 21 singles and 112 doubles titles, including 22 Grand Slams. |
Two matches -- Jelena Dokic vs. Lindsay Davenport and Anke Huber vs. Justine Henin -- are too close to call.
Venus Williams is my favorite to win the title. If Jennifer Capriati raises her level of play against Sandrine Testud then the winner of the Capriati-Serena Williams quarterfinal will get to the final.
Lina Krasnoroutskaya, Russia, vs. Conchita Martinez (19), Spain
This is the youngster against a wily veteran. Martinez' experience will win out. Krasnoroutskaya did well at the French Open, so she is for real. Martinez will have to play a good match. Past champions (Martinez won in 1994) get an extra point or two of respect on grass.
Edge: Martinez
Anke Huber (18), Germany, vs. Justine Henin (8), Belgium
Henin is a good young Belgium player who was within a game and half of reaching the French Open final. Huber is playing well. This is a toss up match. It's very close. Most are favoring Henin, but Huber is playing very good tennis -- only losing two games against Olympic silver medalist Elena Dementieva. Also, Henin came within a game and half of losing in the first round before she turned it around. She might be feeling no pressure because she's on borrowed time after that close call.
Edge: Too close to call
Jennifer Capriati (4), United States, vs. Sandrine Testud (15), France
Capriati is the story of the year -- not just in tennis -- but the sports story of the year. I have to favor Capriati, but Testud has beaten every top player and is well-respected. She has an excellent backhand. She's what they call a match player, which means that a player will have to beat her because she won't beat herself. Capriati hasn't played her best tennis. She needs to step it up. Capriati has to be cautious in this match and be respectful of Testud's talent.
Edge: Capriati
Magdalena Maleeva (12), Bulgaria, vs. Serena Williams (5), United States
It's a good matchup. Maleeva is making a good comeback after being on the injured list for a couple of years. Serena is an enigma. At times she looks unbeatable then she makes unforced errors that leaves her open to opponents like Maleeva. Serena is the favorite in this match, but she needs to keep unforced errors contained and play a consistent match. Serena is the better player, but she could still lose if she doesn't play well.
Edge: Serena Williams
Kim Clijsters (7), Belgium, vs. Meghannn Shaughnessy (17), United States
Clijsters, the runner-up at the French Open is the clear favorite. But Shaughnessy is having her best year and is a worthy opponent. An opponent that Clijsters will respect, which spells more trouble for Shaughnessy. Clijsters will win, but Shaughnessy deserves to be here.
Edge: Clijsters
Jelena Dokic (14), Yugoslavia, vs. Lindsay Davenport (3), United States
This is the most intereseting match. They played in the first round of the Australian Open with Davenport winning in three sets. Dokic is a better player now than in January, and Davenport, out with an injury for months, is not necessarily better. Most favor Davenport because she won in 1999, but Dokic, behind Venus and Davenport, has the third best record. She could very well upset Davenport based on her current form. If Davenport does not pick up her game from the first week she will lose this match. I want to pick Dokic, but you could lose a lot of money betting against Davenport here.
Edge: Too close too call
Tamarine Tanasugarn (31), Thailand, vs. Nathlie Tauziat (9), France
Advantage to Tauziat, but Tanasugarn beat her 10 days ago in Eastbourne. Tanasugarn has won a lot of matches against Tauziat in the past few years. They know each other's games. I think Tauziat will be too good a grass-court player, though.
Edge: Tauziat
Nadia Petrova, Russia, vs. Venus Williams (2), United States
This should be a comfortable win for Venus, who has begun to play like she's going to lift this trophy again. Her forehand and her second serve, which sometimes give her problems, have been solid enough. She's looking even more comfortable on grass than last year.
Edge: Venus