Wimbledon Women's Betting: In-form Sharapova genuine threat to Williams

Can Maria make it back-to-back Grand Slams?

The grass court season is in full swing as the stars head for Wimbledon, Abelson Info discuss which contenders have a real chance at SW19 this year...

Despite her early exit at the French Open, any major tournament is still ultimately considered as Serena Williams' to lose, and the world number one is the favourite again this year.

While you can expect a reaction from the American who will not allow herself another disappointing Grand Slam display, the field is very competitive and a quarter-final clash with the in-form Maria Sharapova could be an early treat.

However, Williams can ill-afford to look that far ahead given that she could face the likes of Alize Cornet and Eugenie Bouchard in the third and fourth rounds respectively, and the 32-year-old will face a real battle if she is to regain the crown she last won in 2012.

In contrast, Sharapova is healthy, full of confidence and has built up a winning habit even in the most testing of situations, and the Russian looks well placed to add to her French Open title and finally improve her head-to-head record with her old foe.

Nevertheless, looking across the entire draw, the remaining quarters appear to be less difficult to predict on paper, although there are plenty of star names that are more than comfortable on grass and they will be capable of springing a surprise or two.

Simona Halep is the highest seed in the second quarter, and while the Romanian is more than capable of challenging, we also expect either Aegon Classic champion Ana Ivanovic or Sabine Lisicki, who makes no secret of her love for this surface, to emerge from the third round and potentially put together a deep run.

In the bottom half of the draw, it appears as though the path has opened up for Agnieszka Radwanska, and the crafty Polish star will fancy her chances of repeating her heroics in 2012 to reach the final.

Although Victoria Azarenka could stand in her way in the last-eight, given that the eighth seed was out of action since March before making a losing comeback at Eastbourne this week, it would have to take something special for her to turn up at Wimbledon and suddenly find her form and fitness.

In addition, she could face French Open star Garbine Muguruza as well as Dominika Cibulkova before that stage, and so it looks particularly gloomy for the Belarusian.

Meanwhile, 2011 champion Petra Kvitova is always dangerous on grass and will hope for a deep run this time round, as will Li Na who should make it through the opening rounds with relative ease to give her a welcome boost before more difficult assignments.

However, with a quarter filled with the likes of Stosur, Wozniacki, Pennetta and Stephens, it promises to be an intriguing fortnight at Wimbledon as anything is possible in such a competitive field.

Recommended Bets:
Back Maria Sharapova to win Wimbledon 2014 @ 8.88/1
Back Agnieszka Radwanska to win @ 20.019/1