Pundits' predictions for Wimbledon - 網球 Tennis

BBC Sport caught up with a host of tennis experts to get their take on who is
going to win the Wimbledon singles titles.

In the men's event many pundits are tipping Spaniard Rafael Nadal to end
Roger Federer's dominance.

But in the women's draw the picture is less clear, with Venus and Serena
Williams, Maria Sharapova and newly-crowned French Open winner Ana Ivanovic
all in the frame.

A selection of commentators, writers and former players have given us their
views on who they think will be victorious in SW19.

Sue Barker, BBC TV presenter
MEN'S
I think it's 50/50 between Federer and Nadal, but if I had to pick one I
think I would go with Nadal. The illness Federer had earlier in year really
hurt him and the fact that he's had a few losses has suddenly made people
think he's beatable. Also Nadal has added to his game. Last year he proved a
lot to himself by going so close in the final and he believes he can do it.

WOMEN'S
I might as well just throw all the names up in the air and see where they
fall. Sharapova had the best start to the year and is proven on grass so I'm
going with her, but it really is wide open. I don't think we will have an
idea until the start of the second week. And... never write off the Williams
sisters.

Tim Henman, BBC TV commentator
MEN'S
I'm really going to go out on a limb here - Federer and Nadal. Roger's a good
friend so I hope and I want Roger to win, but it's amazing how much Nadal has
improved.

I'd like to think there aren't any scars for Roger from Roland Garros but
it's so tight It's brilliant, that's why it's so exciting this year, and
Djokovic is damn good as well. And there's a whole host of others behind
those three.

WOMEN'S
I will go for Sharapova and...... Williams. [Any more specific?] Er.......
Serena. With the winner being...... Serena.

Andrew Castle, BBC TV commentator
MEN's
Federer is still the man to beat because he has won 59 consecutive matches on
grass and when you have that sort of record I think you can get over the
annihilation that he suffered to Nadal in the French Open final. Whether the
mental balance of power has changed remains to be seen. Federer is the best
player I've ever seen play and I expect him to defend his title.

WOMEN'S
Venus Williams is the women to beat again because of her athleticism around
the court. Ivanovic is going to be interesting to watch this year, she plays
a little bit like Steffi Graff. I don't see Sharapova as one of the top two
or three threats at the moment and I consider Venus to be the queen of
Wimbledon.

John Lloyd, GB Davis Cup captain and BBC TV commentator
MEN'S
Rafa Nadal is going to win it and beat Federer in the final. He's improved
his serve, his movement is better and he's become more aggressive on grass.
And I think the psychological aspect plays a part after the way he beat
Federer in the French Open final. I think it's finally his time.

WOMEN'S
I think the two Williams sisters and Sharapova are my three favourites.
Ivanovic has a shot but she is definitely behind those three.

Mark Petchey, BBC TV commentator
MEN'S
I personally still think Roger goes into Wimbledon as favourite, but I know
there's a ground swell of opinion for Nadal. Djokovic also knows what it
takes after winning the Australian Open. I think you have got three stand out
players, but then there's the second tier players like Andy Roddick and Andy
Murray who could push them all the way.

WOMEN'S
On the women's side there are a lot of possibilities. The Williams sisters
have a great chance to get through. Given what happened at the French Open I
think they are going to be coming into Wimbledon and redoubling their
efforts. Jelena Jankovic, Ivanovic and Sharapova have also got realistic
shots.

Greg Rusedski, former world number four and BBC TV analyst
MEN'S
I think Rafael Nadal is seriously ready to win the men's singles title at the
Wimbledon Championships and has to be the slight favourite going into the
tournament. I would like to see Federer face Djokovic in his semi so if
Nadal's fresh, without the tough schedule he had last year, he can go all the
way as he really is the real deal.

Barry Flatman, Sunday Times tennis correspondent
MEN'S
I do think that it will be another Federer v Nadal final. Nadal is getting
better and better and more and more confident on grass. He has added to his
game and more importantly he has burrowed into Federer's mind and I think
that's what is going to win it for him.

WOMEN'S
I like the chances of Sharapova and Serena Williams. They are proven
Wimbledon players and I think they will come in more determined than they've
ever been after failing at the French Open. I can't really see Ivanovic doing
it as I don't think she's got the game or the movement for grass.

Neil Harman, The Times tennis correspondent
MEN'S
I'd be surprised if it wasn't a repeat of last year's final between Federer
and Nadal. Nadal's performance on clay was absolutely incredible and I think
he is going to win Wimbledon this time.

WOMEN'S
On the women's side, Ivanovic is on a roll obviously although we don't know a
great deal about her on grass. I'd be very surprised if Sharapova wasn't in
the mix at the end of proceedings and I wouldn't count out Venus Williams.

Richard Evans, Guardian tennis writer
MEN'S
Nadal's got a huge chance now. He's looking more and more confident on grass
and is getting better and better. Winning at Queen's was a huge boost and
Federer will be getting more and more anxious. Federer's big chance is if
somebody gets Nadal early and then he will win, but he's going to be worried.

WOMEN'S
Take your pick. You can never rule out the Williams sisters. They can be
rubbish for most of the year then one of them will show up at Wimbledon and
do something spectacular so they've got to be in the mix. Ivanovic has got a
lot of confidence and Sharapova could win it, but it's wide open.

Mike Dickson, Daily Mail tennis correspondent
MEN'S
I actually think Nadal will win. It will definitely be closer this year. I
think Federer will reach the final, but I have a feeling that he won't win it
as he is unquestionably more vulnerable this year. Nadal has definitely
improved, he is hitting the ball a bit flatter, his serve is better and he is
a brilliant athlete.

WOMEN'S
The women's is quite open. I've a feeling Ivanovic won't win as she is not
quite ready. Sharapova will get to the final and it will be between her and
one of the Williams sisters.

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