It's time for strawberries and cream . . .Zoë Clarke marks your card for Wimbledon
It's nearly that time of year again. The third grand slam in the tennis calendar, Wimbledon is the favourite for dedicated fans. The whispers can be heard already. Is it Tim Henman's last chance to win the title? Will he hang up his tennis shoes after this year? And there are others. Will this be 35-year-old Andre Agassi's final year or 31-year-old Greg Rusedski's swansong? Here is a brief who's who of Wimbledon 2005 to whet your appetite.
Wimbledon begins on Monday and runs until July 3rd. Check out www.wimbledon.org. If you are interested in tennis in Ireland, contact www.tennisireland.ie, 01-8844010. You can get details of the KitKat Parks Tennis programme, a nationwide initiative that offers summer coaching to players between six and 17 years of age, from www.parkstennis.com or 01-8338711.
WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT
Maria Sharapova The fairytale story of last year, 17-year-old Sharapova took the crown from Serena Williams, the two-year reigning champion. Fighting to retain her title, she still has a lot to give and will come out strong.
Serena Williams After a dramatic defeat last year Williams is back and more determined than ever. She won the Australian Open this year, her competitive edge having brought her back from a lull in her career. Don't dismiss sister Venus, either.
Justine Henin-Hardenne The French Open winner returns to top form after injury. An all-court player with a stylish game, she's different from the mainly power-dominated female players. Don't miss her game.
Alicia Molik An outside bet but one not to overlook. She has just entered the top 10 and is a serious competitor for future Wimbledons.
Lindsay Davenport Contemplating hanging up her racket and starting a family, having not won a grand slam in the past five years, suddenly her form is back and she's better than ever.
MEN'S TOURNAMENT
Roger Federer The Swiss number-one seed, who has won Wimbledon for the past two years, is tipped to win again this year. An extremely confident and smooth player who began his career at the age of eight.
Andy Roddick Runner up in 2004, Roddick is a possible challenger to steal the crown from Federer. His strong serve and big forehand works particularly well for him on Wimbledon's notoriously difficult grass courts.
Lleyton Hewitt The 2002 champion may also be a contender for the title. Hewitt is a fighting player who gives 100 per cent both physically and mentally on the court.
Rafael Nadal The 19-year-old Spanish prodigy, who defeated Federer in Paris, is unproven on grass. Wimbledon will be a testing experience for him. At the very least, he's one to watch for in future tournaments.
Richard Gasquet Another rising star, having beaten Federer last April. His triumph over the champion has placed him in the spotlight for this year's grand slam.
There is a change in the traditional opening of the balls this year. After talks between Wimbledon's chief executive, Chris Gorringe, and Tim Henman, ball cans will be opened on the court rather than a few hours before the match.
A strict dress code applies to the players, who may wear only traditional white. Other tournaments and grand slams are not as strict, giving notoriously colourful dresser Serena Williams free rein.
Wimbledon and the French Open still pay more prize money to men than to women. This year the men's singles winner will take home £630,000 (€940,000) and the women's £600,000 (€895,000).
Wimbledon is the only grand slam tournament played on grass. As grass makes the ball move considerably faster than other surfaces, it reduces many players' performance and, therefore, chance of winning.