This woman has the competitive heart of a lion and the service ball toss of a 12 year old or perhaps of a 90 year old. The simple act of flipping the ball into a proper service hitting zone is just not happening for Ana. She inexplicably lost her ball toss at last year’s Wimbledon, where she arrived as the world’s top ranked tennis player.

Last years, Ana was fresh off a Grand Slam victory in Paris and a final appearance in Melbourne. She was at the top of the tennis world and at the top of her personal life. In Serbia, there were parades in her honor. She replaced Jelena Jankovic as the Queen of Serbian tennis. She has legions of international fans and has inspired many a fantasy. Ana Ivanovic was a media magnet, a great interview and a dynamic photo shoot ready to happen.

Then, she arrived at Wimbledon. Perhaps, it was that top seed that led to her demise. Perhaps, it is her very visible relationship with Fernando Verdasco that is keeping her submerged. Perhaps, Ana needs a sports psychologist. She definitely needs a coach, having recently disengaged from her second coach in less than a year. But, what she needs most is a good toss; one that allows her balance, a proper weight shift and a reliable point of contact. She has none of those necessary parts.

Unseeded 24 year old Czech star Lucie Hradecka took it right to Ana. The stocky right-hander had the 13th seed on her heels and falling backwards. With the Czech’s 7-4 won lost record in 2009, this match seemed a tune-up for the pretty Serb. But, what a battle!

Lucie is improving. She made the second round in Paris, but she has little experience and no big wins in her resume. This was supposed to be an exhibition match.

Lucie out-hit, out-served and out-composed the former number one. A year from now, she would win this match. As it was, she stretched the former number one to the limit before succumbing 6-8 in the third. She had two match points. She received no breaks. She simply went toe-to-toe and slugged it out with her more experienced opponent.

With the shadow making visibility blurring the second set, three key line calls kept Ivanovic in the match. All three went in favor of the lower seed. The three rulings were made by the umpire.

Despite one seemingly especially bad call, Lucie remained composed. She showed little disappointment compared to her opponent who whined, badgered and protested many a play. Rather than resort to this, I would rather see Ana re-learn the art of serving.

Her velocity just is not there. Her erratic ball toss has her lunging and hitting the ball with poor weight distribution. She only played 61% of her first serves and double faulted 6 times, hardly the numbers for a champion. She has lost about 15 mph on her first serve, which is barely distinguishable from opponent’s second serve. Watching Ana play, you become convinced that she does not know where the ball, is going or when. It is painful.

What seems pretty apparent is that Ana Ivanovic will once again not be playing tennis in the second week of a major. She could use the rest. Please Ana, learn to toss, learn to serve once again. We want to see more of you, but until you change that toss. It just is not happening.

You are no longer the Queen. You are the student. When you are ready, come on back, we’ll be waiting for you!

There are many players who benefit from Nadal’s departure. Remarkably, the second seed, 14-time Grand Slam Champion and five-time Wimbledon Champion, Roger Federer has the most difficult path to the semi-finals.

In the greatest player of all-time’s quarter are heavyweights Fernando Verdasco (7), Ivo Karlovic (22), Jo-Wilfreid Tsonga (9), Robin Soderling (13) and Feliciano Lopez (21). If form holds, Round Four will be a rematch of the French Open finals pitting Soderling against the five-time winner. In the quarters, Verdasco should be looming, but Tsonga does not go away quietly. Tennis experts are shaking their collective heads and wondering how it could be any more difficult for the focused Federer to claim his 15th title.

Meanwhile, Scotsman Andy Murray, winner of the Queen’s and now top seed in the top half of the draw, has a comparative cakewalk to the quarters. His chief combatants will be Stanislaus Wawrinka (19), aging Marat Safin (14), Fernando Gonzalez (10), Victor Hanescu (31) and 8 seed Gilles Simon, who is not at the top of his game. If form holds, Murray’s fourth round would pit the testy Scot against Wawrinka. The Scotsman would meet the Frenchman, Simon, in the quarters. For Murray the path is clear to the semis.

The fourth seed is Serb Novak Djokovic, who escaped a quarterfinal matchup against Juan Martin del Porto when Nadal withdrew. Djokovic’s quarter has Mardy Fish (28), Tommy Robredo (15), Rainer Schuettler (18), Marin Cilic (11), Tommy Haas (24) and the struggling James Blake (17) who was moved to fill del Porto’s slot. What a mess!

If form holds, Djokovic will meet the tough Robredo in the fourth round and Cilic in the quarters. Djokovic is unaccustomed to such a relaxed draw and this may be just the spark the moody Serb needs to make a big move.

Juan Martin del Porto (5) slides into Nadal’s place. He is far and away the biggest beneficiary of Nadal’s damaged knees. In his quarter are Radek Stepanek (23), David Ferrer (16), Nikolay Davydenko (12), Tomas Berdych (20) and probable quarterfinal matchup Andy Roddick (6).

Like del Porto, Roddick must be licking his chops. Roddick is two-time runner-up at Wimbledon and is enjoying a fine year. It has been a long time since the American has been positioned so well at a Grand Slam.

The Ladies Singles’ Draw

Wimbledon will be Dinara Safina’s most difficult Grand Slam Draw of the year. The number one seed will be challenged to get through the quarters where her decisive Roland Garros conquerer, Svetlana Kuznetsnova (5), will be waiting. The top of the draw looks to provide some other hefty challenges for the nervous Safina, who has a more difficult path than Svetlana to the probable quarterfinal pairing. Fiava Pennetta (15), Amelie Mauresmo (17) and Caroline Wozniacki (9) stand in the way of the French rematch.

Third seeded Venus Williams looks to have the most favorable quarter. The five-time winner at Wimbledon has not needed a lot of help in the past. She is an expert grass-court player. With her sister in the lower half of the draw, the possibility of a Williams-Williams final matchup looks very possible. However, there are stumbling blocks aplenty for both sisters. The main competition in Venus’s quarter will come from the well-conditioned Samantha Stosur (18), Ana Ivanovic (13), Agnes Radwanska (11) and French disappointment Jelena Jankovic (6). Stosur is in top form and poses a stern test for the three seed. Jankovic looks to have a clear path but seems to stumble in Grand Slam tournaments.

Number two seed, Serena Williams is chomping at the bit to regain her former number one ranking. The tough American is well suited for the Wimbledon grass and plays her best when the pressure is highest.

The younger Williams should have smooth sailing to the quarters. A likely fourth round pairing with Patty Schnyder (21) should not present much of a test. However, the quarter possibilities are intriguing. 24th seed and fast returning to form Maria Sharapova (24) is a strong candidate along with hard-hitting Victoria Azarenka (8), and Nadia Petrova (10). There are four potential champions in this quarter.

Elena Dementieva whose sub-par performance in Paris has raised previously unasked questions about her fitness and heart will need to play better to knock off Dominika Cibulkova in the fourth round. Elena will probably face the always-ready Vera Zvonareva (7) or Marion Bartoli (12) in the quarters.

Our longest shot of the Wimbledon event is American 17 year old Melanie Oudin who arrived in the main draw via three qualifying wins. A month ago, the pretty Georgian was finishing her junior year in high school. Oudin plays 29th seed Sybille Bammer in the first round. Oudin could well surprise but will certainly be game.

Two surprising draws are bound to provide great play, loads of emotion and more than the usual number of upsets.

On the women’s side, changes are on the horizon. A wave of young and experienced talent is creating havoc with the old guard. Neither Williams sister made it to the finals in France. Safina struggled again in the finals, Dementieva faltered, Ivanovic has slipped out of the top ten and the tennis world is wondering about Maria Sharapova’s return as a host of up and coming tennis beauties seek to make their marks.

The new breed of women’s tennis star makes a statement each time she enters the court. While these gals can all pound the ball and go get it, what makes them so appealing is the refreshing combination of athleticism and Hollywood good looks. The lovely ladies listed below will catch your eye and steal your heart. Their amazing talents and spiffy wardrobe selections sometimes make it difficult to know whether we are watching a tennis match or fashion show.

Maria Sharapova

One of the original deep grunters, Maria Sharapova is good for women’s tennis. The 6 foot Russian star will be playing in her seventh Wimbledon tournament.

Maria Sharapova

She won the championship in 2004 and after her quarter-final appearance at Paris has reason for optimism.

With a healthy 270 – 68 career won-lost record and more than $12 million in career earnings, Paris has plenty of experience. Wherever Maria is, there will be a crowd. Stunning to look at and with an easy disposition, the leggy blonde commands attention and respect.

Ana Ivanovic

Magazines pursue her. Fans adore her. Ana Ivanovic is gorgeous to look at, has the heart of a lion and likes a good time. If only she could serve! Since winning the 2008 French Open, the Serbian beauty has struggled to stay on top.

Ana Ivanovic

Fans blame her ball toss. Critics think she lacks commitment. We think people forget she is just 21 and entitled to enjoy life. She has earned more than $500 thousand this year and almost $7 million in her young career, so we suggest Ana keep on doing whatever she likes.

Ana keeps fast company. Her latest beaux is Spain’s resurgent Fernando Verdasco. Perhaps the Spanish tour stud can get her serve untracked in time for Wimbledon.

Maria Kirilenko

Another fair-haired young Russian, Maria always seems on the cusp of greatness. The winner of five tour titles, the athletic Kirilenko might erupt at Wimbledon.

Maria Kirilenko

She has not fared especially well in her five previous events but the 22 year old has the credentials, more than $2 million in career earnings and the wardrobe closet to match a champion. The 58th rankled player in the world looks good in everything!

Alona Bondarenko

One of the battling Bondarenko sisters, Alona is an eyeful. Currently ranked 32, she has been as high as 14th in the world. She goes for traditional garb because she has what it takes. She has that all-girl look and a magnificent pair of blue eyes to go along with her long, blonde hair.

Sexy Alona Bondarenko

Her game had plenty of grace but could use some power. Her best Grand Slam performance was her victory in the 2008 Women’s Doubles. With career earbninmgs closing in on $2 million, Alona is one win away from celebrity status. The faster the surface, the more Alona likes it.

Tatiana Golovin

Sport illustrated Swimsuit babe, Tatiana was born in Russia but moved to Paris as youngster. The flamboyant blonde turned pr at age 15 and won the Mixed Doubles at Roland Garros in 2004.

Tatiana Golovin

Tatiana’s waiting for her break but head on out to the backcourts and get an eyeful of the 21 year old before she goes into movies. C’est la vie!

Anna Chakvetadze

One more gorgeous Russian filly who has quietly amassed almost $3.5 million in tour earnings, Ana reached the 4th round in last year’s Wimbledon event.

Anna Chakvetadze

She likes the surface and garners plenty of attention with her low-cut tops and striking facial features. Anan once gained the 5th ranking and will be gracing England for the 5th time. How could anyone root against such a beauty?

Nicole Vaidisova

Nicole is an upset waiting to happen. Once the number 7 player in the world, the fair-haired German has tried to balance an active social life with her tennis. Her career 168-78 won-lost record shows the 20year old knows how to win.

Nicole Vaidisova

She looks good in yellow and just about anything else. With $2.7 million in the bank, Nicole can dress any way she wants!

Iveta Benesova

The 26yera old Czech has been around. Heading into her 8tyh Wimbledon, Iveta reached the third round at Roland Garros. The world’s 35th ranked player has style and intensity and has plenty of on-court passion. Fans like her all-or nothing style.

Iveta Benesova

Iveta is a sharp dresser and cameras constantly click in her world. A powerful athlete, Iveta gives it her all.

Jelena Dokic

Jelena missed the 2008 event but was a semi-finalist in 2000. The cute as a button Aussie launched a comeback with her quarterfinal appearance in Melbourne earlier in the year.

Jelena Dokic

Jelena Dokic a big heart and is known to be an excellent doubles player. Jelena is light on her feet and easy on the eyes.

Daniela Hantuchova

The 26 year old Slovakian will be playing in her 9th Wimbledon. Daniela reached the finals in doubles at Melbourne and is a consistent 4th round achiever in Grand Slams.

Daniela Hantuchova

She has trouble with the big names but is aboyut as graceful a player as is on the tour. Watch Daniela run and you will be a fan too!

Sorana Cirstea

Don’t let that baby-face fool you. This 19 year old strutted her stuff to the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and made lots of friends along the way. If she can fix that serve, Sorana may surprise again at Wimbledon.

Sorana Cirstea

The Romanian is heading to her second Wimbledon and holds her ground against the big stars. Based on the French Open, the sky is the limit for Sorana.

Marta Domachowska

Poland’s version of the wild thing, Marta Domachowska is 23 and hits out on every shot.

Marta Domachowska

The 23 year old reached the second round last year and is looking to improve on the Wimbledon grass this season. A full-figured powerhouse, Marta never backs down.

Brie Whitehead

Brie makes it to Wimbledon, she will have earned her way. The 19 year old American was voted one of the top 50 hottest tennis babes but has yet to prove her wares on the court.

Brie Whitehead

We will all enjoy Brie when she becomes a tour regular later this year. In the meantime, we should enjoy her amateur status and special attributes.

Sania Mirza

When Sania Mirza won the 2009 Mixed Doubles at Melbourne, we thought her career would skyrocket. She is a stellar doubles performer and commands gallery attention.

Sania Mirza India's Sex Symbol

The Indian beauty, and pin up girl, has wonderful on-court demeanor and lots of mostly-male admirers. We’d like to see more of Sania in the singles. Maybe this is the tourney?

Agnes Szavay

The 20 year old Hungarian cutie was on the verge of greatness in Paris. She reached the 4th round at Roland Garros and the 4th round at Wimbledon last year.

Anges Szavay

Agnes has one of the best two-handed backhands in the women’s game and a pretty solid frame to go along with it. Agnes should get at least to the fourth round again this year.

Elena Dementieva

One of the game’s superstars, Elena Dementieva disappointed in France but likes the grass at Wimbledon. The world’s 4th ranked player reached the semis here last year.

Elena Dementieva

The pretty Russian blonde may have her day in the sun this year. She is due for a breakthrough at a Grand Slam. This will be the stylish right-hander’s 11th try at Wimbledon. Great legs and a physique to go get the ball!

Alize Cornet

The French hot shot is only 19 and closing in on $1 million already. She looks great in red doesn’t she? Alize Cornet reached the fourth round in Australia this year and was disappointed with her second round ouster in Paris.

Alize Cornet

We expect a return to form on the grass at Wimbledon and the 22nd ranked player should get to at least the third round.

Karolina Sprem

A powerful frame makes the 23 tear old Karolina Sprem a tough draw. Although she lost in the first round at Both Roland Garros and in Melbourne, the 5 foot 8 inch Croatian has had some success against high-ranking players early this year.

Karolina Sprem

To be sure and see Karolina get to the qualifying rounds. She should work her way to the main draw where she is always a featured attraction!

Gisela Dulko

There is no one more fit than Argentina’s Gisela Dulko. Lean and muscular, Gisela rockets the ball. A third round performer at last year’s Wimbledon and also at this year’s French Open, she is ready to move on.

Gisela Dulko

This will be Gislea’s 8th visit to Wimbledon and the surface suits her big game.

Vojislava Lukic

Hot to trot, this Serbian beauty is taking a page from Ana Ivanovic. A well proportioned 5 foot 9 inches, the 22 year old is oru8nding her tennis form into shape. There’s nothing wrong with the rest of her!

Vojislava Lukic

A striking, model’s look, she is in high demand on the red carpet.

Ashley Harkleroad

When American 23 year old Ashley Harkleroad agreed to appear nude in Playboy’s August issue, the tennis world blinked. Ashley made a stir at the 2001 U.S. Open with a suggestive outfit.

Ashley Harkleroad

Declaring that she is proud of her body, Ashley finds plenty of support from her adoring fans. The 61st ranked player is always game!

Bethanie Mattek

The sporty Bethanie hails from the U.S. and reached the 4th round at last year’s Wimbledon. Always a candidate for best dressed, Bethanie can put her game face on too.

Bethanie Mattek

She tuned up in Paris and should be ready for the grass.

Tamira Paszek

Talk about full-figured! Tamira shocked the tennis world by reaching the fourth round in 2007. She hasn’t had much success since, but she’s improving with age.

Tamira Paszek

We’ll hope to see more of this 18 year old this time around.

Simona Halep

Why not sane the best fro last! 17-year old reigning French Junior champions will be slugging it out in the qualifiers. We hope she makes it. Romanian Simona Halep is a nice, young girl who has some game.

Simona Halep

She need all the support we can muster!

Is Rafa In?

With 13 days to go before the first serve at the Wimbledon Championships to determine the best grass court player in the world, the world’s best player has announced that he is a questionable entrant. Spain’s Rafael Nadal shocked the tennis world by declaring that his playing status will be determined by the results of an upcoming visit to his team of physicians who will be examining his troubled knees.

Nadal is in Barcelona and undergoing a complete physical. After examinations on Monday and Tuesday, the top ranked player is expected to make an announcement on Wednesday.

Rafa withdrew from the popular Wimbledon tune-up at the Queen’s Club in London. Nadal’s 31 match win streak at Roland Garros was ended by Sweden’s Robin Soderling in the fourth round of last week’s French Open. Nadal did not directly attribute his loss to his aching knees.

“I have been having some problems in the past months with my knees – that’s no secret – that did not allow me to compete always at 100%. I need to work with my team to recover well, work on my physical condition to be at my top form and get ready for the grass to play at Wimbledon. I hope I can be ready to compete by then.”

Nadal defeated 14-time Grand Slam Champion Roger Federer in the longest championship ever played at last year’s Wimbledon finals. Fans have been anxiously awaiting a return match with all the hype and excitement afforded to an Ali-Frazer heavyweight prizefight.

Federer responded to Nadal’s condition; “I was surprised to see him pull out of Queen’s, and now the debate that he might pull out of Wimbledon is quite frightening. I don’t like to see it, because you want the best to be playing in the biggest events.”

The 2009 French Open Champion, who went five sets with Nadal in the Melbourne finals continued; “It seems like it’s not 100 percent serious, his knee injury. I only wish him the best and I hope it’s not true that he will miss Wimbledon. I think it’s a lot of speculation at the moment. He wasn’t taping his knees here in Paris. He seemed fine from what I saw. I’ve played him so many times, I can tell when he’s in pain and when he’s not.”

In addition to their fierce rivalry on the court, Nadal and Federer are known to try to get into each other’s minds. There is some speculation that Rafa is waging a media campaign to combat his recent clay court defeats at the hands of Roger in Paris and in Madrid.

On Monday, Nadal announced that he would travel to London on Tuesday in hopes of defending his Wimbledon title. The Spaniard reported that he had been playing in pain for months. Nadal has committed to physical therapy in anticipation of Wimbledon.

“I am going to give my 200 percent to be ready for the most important tournament in the world. I will not go out and play, especially on the Wimbledon Centre Court, if I am not 100 percent ready to play. I’ve been playing with pain on my knees for some months now and I simply can’t go on like this. The pain was limiting certain movements in my body, which affected me mentally as well.”

The Spanish Tennis Federation physician, Dr. Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, reported that Nadal had tendonitis inn his knees. “His treatment will involve oral anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, as well as muscular exercises for both quadriceps.”

The defending champion is slated to be the top seed again this year. He has held the number one ranking since August of last year. His absence would install Federer as the favorite to win his record 15th Grand Slam.

Ana – What’s Up?

The former top ranked female player and current number 13 ranked women’s player, Ana Ivanovic needs a coach and a new serve. In February, the struggling dark-haired, dark-eyed photogenic dream-come-true hired former Martina Navratilova coach, Craig Kardon, to help rebuild her game and fix her mysterious ball-toss and serving woes.

On Monday Ivanovic politely released Kardon. Ana had hired Kardon to replace her long-time coach Sven Groeneveld after her disappointment in Australia. Ivanovic has not lived up to her potential since her win in Paris last year. Her ineffective serve has her on the defensive most of the time.

In 2008, Ivanovic held the number one ranking for nine weeks. Her service woes erupted suddenly. For the time being, Ana intends to use temporary coaches fro Eastbourne and at Wimbledon.

Fans wonder if perhaps her new beaux, Spanish heartthrob Fernando Verdasco, might pitch in and give the svelte beauty a hand. If not, there certainly would be plenty of volunteers!