Which women will challenge at Wimbledon 2011?

The success of two surprise semi finalists at last year's Wimbledon has put punters on alert for the possibility of some more upsets in 2011. Tsvetana Pironkova has not built on that shock performance, but Petra Kvitova has gone from strength to strength and is suddenly a title challenger for slams.

The new world number 10's maiden Premier mandatory tour win at Madrid was her third title of the year and proved her game is as suited to clay as it is to grass. Her impressive run to...

Philip Oliver

Victoria Azarenka targets the French Open

The time is right for Victoria Azarenka to win her first slam. She has matured as a person and player and has the power-hitting game to succeed on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Some her main rivals are struggling for form and fitness and her excellent current form makes her one to follow in Paris.

It is surprising that Azarenka has never progressed past a slam quarter final, a sign that she has failed to produce her best when the pressure is on in big matches. Her suspect temperament,...

Philip Oliver

Soderling targets French success

Two-time beaten finalist Robin Soderling will once again be looking to earn his first Grand Slam victory on what is his favourite surface at Roland Garros. The Swede has suffered back-to-back falls at the final hurdle, first in 2009 by Roger Federer and last year by a near impeccable Rafael Nadal. The Spanish number-one will once again be the stand-out favourite when the French Open starts at the end of next month, but Soderling will have every right to feel confident when his campaign starts. ...

Philip Oliver

Federer looks to bounce back

By the time Wimbledon comes around at the end of June, Roger Federer will be hoping to have reclaimed his place among the world's top two players, after his disappointing season so far saw Novak Djokovic climb ahead of the Swiss star in the world rankings. One of the main reasons behind Federer's slip in the rankings has been his form against his the players around him, so far this season losing every match against both Rafael Nadal and Djokovic.

If the 16-time Grand Slam winner is...

Philip Oliver

Mens Clay Court Season Gets Underway With Nadal Victory (Again)

Rafael Nadal justified that air of invincibility he took into the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 last week, by claiming his seventh title from seven attempts at the prestigious venue. Nadal comfortably held off the challenge of compatriot David Ferrer in the final, winning 6-4 7-5, without ever really being in trouble and in the process confirmed himself as the best clay court player in the world by some considerable distance. His performance also showed why he will start the French Open tennis championship...

Rod Crowley