Wimbledon 2013: Five first round ladies matches to watch

Much has been said, done and surmised over the last few days with two superstars engaging themselves in a volatile exchange and a former Wimbledon champion’s alleged relationship shocking the world. But now it’s all down to business. The sky is looking azure blue, the Centre Court is basking in all of its glory – the ambience is beseeching the stars to deliver the perfect opening day. And so let us have a look at a host of first round ladies matches that can be as enthralling and dramatic and can set the tone for the rest of Wimbledon.

(3) Maria Sharapova v Kristina Mladenovic (Head-to-head: First meeting)

Maria Sharapova

The Russian 2004 Wimbledon champion has always been the cynosure of all eyes, but this time she gained a lot of attention for her comments about off-court affairs. Firing salvos at the World No. 1 Serena Williams after her remarks presumably against the World No. 3, Sharapova has just delivered a mouthwatering starter even before the main course has begun.

Looking every bit the ferocious competitor she is at Paris, Maria has her work cut out right from Round 1 at SW19. She faces Kristina Mladenovic, a fast rising French girl who is likely to impose some challenge. Kristina is a junior Wimbledon runner-up and has been making her presence felt on the Tour which includes a runner-up finish in the French Open mixed doubles. Maria by now is too experienced to go out this early but then she herself knows youngsters can be pretty dangerous.

Prediction: Sharapova wins in straight sets.

(10) Maria Kirilenko v Laura Robson (Head-to-head: First meeting)

Laura Robson

Sharapova’s erstwhile best buddy, Maria Kirilenko also faces a hazardous path if she is to continue racking up wins like she did at Roland Garros. She is going through one of the best phases as far as her singles career is concerned, having broken into the top 10 recently. She has variety and versatility on the court which could become problematic for her opponent, the 19-year-old Laura Robson.

As daunting a task it might seem for the British No. 1, she has certain advantages too working in her favour. She will receive vociferous support in this match which will most likely get a Centre Court scheduling and the junior Wimbledon champion likes grass. She has been working a lot on her service rhythm with her new coach Miles Maclagan. If she can bring up a potent serve and her experience of demolishing elite players on the big stage, the British fans might get a chance to rejoice.

Prediction: Robson wins in three sets.

Bethanie Mattek-Sands v (7) Angelique Kerber (Head-to-head: Mattek-Sands leads 2-0)

Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Google Glass is a much-talked about subject thanks to the American Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Known for her revolutionary and sometimes outrageous fashion sense, Google Glass is the latest addition to Mattek-Sands’ quirkiness. She has been spotted wearing it at almost all of her practice sessions and also at the glamorous WTA Players Party. Will she be wearing it during her first round match too? Doubts remain if the conservative All England Club will give in but there’s no inkling of any doubt that the 28-year-old has been playing some inspiring tennis off late.

At the French Open she erased a difference of 61 places in the rankings and obliterated Li Na from the draw. Will she do the same to the seventh seed Angelique Kerber? The German, a semifinalist last year, has won just one match on the green turf coming into SW19 but most importantly has a 0-2 deficit in their head-to-head match-ups. That is a cause of worry.

Prediction: Mattek-Sands wins in straight sets.

Jamie Hampton v Sloane Stephens (17) (Head-to-head: Tied at 1-1)

Jamie Hampton

Jamie Hampton has become America’s next best hope with her string of consistent results both on clay and grass. She is coming off a remarkable stretch where she reached the French Open fourth round and made it to the Eastbourne summit clash as a qualifier. Her Eastbourne run deservedly catapulted her to No. 25 in the rankings after she showed the door to two former champions – Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Wozniacki. With a decent movement on the faster surface and her willingness to approach the net when required, the American No. 3 is one of the players to watch.

But she comes up against the American No. 2 Sloane Stephens who scored a resounding victory over Serena at the Australian Open. Nevertheless, Sloane’s lack of practice on the grass might just tilt the balance in favour of her lower ranked compatriot who is coming with a lot of momentum and confidence.

Prediction: Hampton wins in three sets.

Madison Keys v Heather Watson (Head-to-head: First meeting)

This will be an encounter between two players who are close in the rankings – Madison Keys is 52nd and Heather Watson is 56th. But circumstances are vastly different for them as they head into the year’s third Slam. Watson, Great Britain’s former No. 1 had contracted the debilitating glandular fever and she played the French Open after her recovery. She lost in the first round and has been able to post two wins on grass after that. Now happy and healthy, Watson has been optimistic about her chances at her home Slam. But her first round opponent is one she would have liked to avoid as she is still trying to get back her full confidence.

Madison Keys has been one of the best performing youngsters on the Tour this year. With an explosive game that is suited for grass, the fledgling American reached the Birmingham quarter-finals just two weeks back. The British crowd might make the situation a little unsettling for her but it’s a challenge Madison can try and overcome.

Prediction: Keys wins in three sets.