Article by Glyn James

Wimbledon Preview

No need for much of an introduction on Jelena's next tournament.  I'm sure that only those of you who live under those very fine rocks are unaware that the Championships in Wimbledon, UK, is where Jelena is scheduled to play next, and as always, the press have been doing their best to tamper with Jelena's preparations.  Jelena was obviously upset at being the #1 seed and having to play on court number one as opposed to the centre court.  I'm not surprised that she was upset, have you seen the state of the number one court at Eastbourne?  The press virtualy made out that Jelena and Martina were on the brink of a battle to the death with their usual rubbish, but the only people Jelena was upset with was the tournament organisers, but once again, the evil in the British press have covered the truth and manipulated the facts to make Jelena look like a moany, tight fisted so and so.

   On to business.  Arguably the biggest tournament of the year is just around the corner, and despite the early loss in Eastbourne, Jelena will still enter the tournament full of confidence.  I predicted last week that Jelena would have a lapse of concentration in Eastbourne and that I had a hunch that she wouldn't win two titles in a row, but I didn't expect Jelena to slip up so soon.  After taking notice a little more carefully at Jelena's play, it seems that she needs a slip up to get her back into good form.  I think she'll come out at Wimbledon in a very explosive manner, and don't see her losing a set in the first three matches.

The draw has been made for the Championships, and can be fount at http://www.tennisrulz.com/draws/wimbledon.htm . Usually I'd copy and paste the draw, but it's way too big to do that. :-)

   The 1st round match sees Jelena facing Elena Tatarkova, of the Ukraine.  A pro since 1993, and a one time top ten doubles player.  Now though she's down to 169 in the singles rankings, and despite the fact that she's just 25, her career is most definitely in decline.  A comofortable win for Jelena.  Next up would most likely be Kveta Hrdlickova of the Czech Republic.  She's never been in the top forty, but some of you may remember her beating Jelena in Roland Garros, 2000.  Then comes the seeds (assuming there are no upsets).  The tall figure of Nathalie Dechy's figure stands in Jelena's way in the 3rd round.  At 5'10 the French-woman's most notable achievement is a final at Oklahoma City, Estoril, in 2000.  Hardly an impressive record for the number 25 seed, but Jelena will have to be focused, and assuming she will be focused, Jelena will keep up her record of always reaching at least the 4rd in Wimbledon.

   Then comes the second week (if my estimates are correct).  This is where the tournament really developes, and each player realises that they are just three wins away from playing on the centre court at a Wimbledon final.  Nerves are a much bigger factor in deciding games, and the fine line between winning and losing becomes even finer.  Okay, enough of this clichéd rubbish that seems to haunt everything British.  Next up would most likely be the impressive Czech Daniela Hantuchova (try to notice how many times her name is pronounced differently)  The so called next Anna Kournikova certainly has a lot of talent, and went further that Jelena at Eastbourne, despite playing in a 'ridicilous match.' :-)  In her match against Myskina though, she didn't look comfortable at all as Myskina hit the ball with such force.  You feel that a dedicated player would certainly overcome Hantuchova's threat.  Maybe Hantuchova will be more commited at Wimbledon, and another thing to point out is the fact that she tried to play a serve and volley game at Eastbourne.  Maybe she could be on to something?

   Should Jelena defeat Hantuchova, it's plain sailing.  All Jelena would have to do is beat both Williams sisters, and someone that goes by the name Capriati.  Realisticly, Jelena will not win Wimbledon, and will most likely just reach the QF, which certainly is nothing to be ashamed of.  It is a shame however though, that it always seems like Jelena is never really capable of beating any of the elite.  Who knows?  Perhaps this time will be different, and Jelena will pull off something magical (and no, I don't mean her dress!!).  Nevertheless, it should be a great tournament, and Jelena will undoubtedly give it her all once more.

PREDICTION -
Serena def. Dokic in straight sets in the QF.
Venus wins the tournament, since it was Serena's turn last time.

ONE TO WATCH -
Anastasia Myskina:  I saw her in practice yesterday and an elderly gentleman said to me, "She's a winner that one."  Perfectly put if you ask me.  So fired up, so commited, and those tennis balls really took a battering.  She looks incredible on grass.