Wimbledon Women's Betting: Keys set for tough opening test against Puig

Keys faces a tough assignment in the opening round..

The first round matches continue at Wimbledon on Tuesday and Abelson Info pick out the value bets from the top half of the draw...

Given the absence of defending champion Marion Bartoli, last year's runner-up Sabine Lisicki is given the honour of opening play on Centre Court on Tuesday and the German star will be back in her element on her favourite surface.

However, as is the case right across the field, the 19th seed has a tough path in making the final again this year, but ultimately there shouldn't be any surprises when she takes on Julia Glushko in her opening match.

World number one Serena Williams is also in action and will also hope for a relatively comfortable day's work to get started with, while Eastbourne finalist Angelique Kerber will look to continue her good form to join the likes of Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep in the next round.

Williams arguably has the most to prove in the next two weeks after missing out in Australia and France already this year, and this could well be a statement match for her.

Nevertheless, while things may seem straight forward for that group of top seeds, there are a number of intriguing battles to take place around them, starting with British hopeful Heather Watson.

With Laura Robson absent and the likes of Johanna Konta crashing out, the number of home favourites is already dwindling at SW19, and Watson represents their best chance of an extended run in the tournament.

After some success on the ITF tour, the 22-year-old played well in the French Open before losing to eventual finalist Halep, although a first round exit in Birmingham a fortnight ago soured her preparations for Wimbledon.

Regardless, Watson will likely relish the prospect of playing in front of a supportive crowd, and given her form this year, there is real hope that she can overcome Ajla Tomljanovic with few headaches.

Elsewhere, it hasn't been the best of years thus far for Kirsten Flipkens, but she will be hoping that a return to the setting of her memorable semi-final run last year will help rekindle some of her best form.

However, the Belgian will likely have her hands full against Tamira Paszek, and while the Austrian ace has also struggled which has resulted in her falling out of the top 100, she is capable of pushing her opponent in what looks to be a tricky opener.

Meanwhile, Eastbourne champion Madison Keys is back in action after claiming her maiden title on Saturday, and despite the quick turnaround she will have made the most of her time off to recover and prepare for the main event.

It won't be easy for the American teenager though, with a first round clash with Monica Puig awaiting her on arrival at SW19. Puig has won both of their previous meetings in straight sets, and while Keys undoubtedly has the edge given her current form on grass, this has the makings of a memorable opening round encounter.

Recommended Bets:
Keys to beat Puig 2-1 @ 3.814/5
Watson to beat Tomljanovic 2-0 @ 1.9620/21