Martina Hingis
Born: Slovakia - September 30th, 1980
Plays: Right-handed
World ranking: 1
Seeded: 1
Crumbled against Graf in the French Open final but clearly the strongest player on the tour at present. The cracks that appeared in Paris were the first visible sign that the 18-year-old might be affected by pressure. With regained confidence, she will be the strong favourite if she can get the crowd on her side.
Linsday Davenport
Born: US - June 8th, 1976
Plays: Right-handed
World ranking: 2
Seeded: 3
Was the world number one this year but not that well known in Europe. Won the 1998 US Open but may not have the movement around court to win Wimbledon. Overall game is strong and with a relaxed attitude will progress quietly. Certainly a contender but may not have the appetite to go all the way.
Venus Williams
Born: US - June 17th, 1980
Plays: Right-handed
World Ranking: 6
Seeded: 6
Sooner or later she will win Wimbledon. But perhaps not this year. Her father has been predicting Grand Slam wins since his daughter was in nappies and has instilled enormous ambition. Very athletic and strong. At 6ft 2in the tallest in the field. A good outside bet but another year on the tour should bring her back as a strong candidate next year.
Mary Pierce
Born: Canada - January 15th, 1975
Plays: Right-handed
World ranking: 8
Seeded: 9
Has recently taken to creatine to enhance muscle growth, which was evident at the French Open. Won the Australian Open in 1995. Her back-of-the-court style will not suit grass, although that was also said of Andre Agassi, who went on to win. Mobile enough but injury prone and must adapt her game to serve-volley tennis to really dominate.
Anna Kournikova
Born: Russia - July 7th, 1981
Plays: Right-handed
World ranking: 18
Seeded: 16
Kournikova was upgraded into a seed position when Serena Williams pulled out of the competition due to illness. The Russian has yet to prove herself a big competition player but did well in France, making the quarter-finals. May struggle but will attract a lot of attention.
