Wimbledon will open the gates later today for a grand slam tennis tournament that carries with it slightly more excitement that is normal. Current men’s champion, Rafa Nadal, will not be taking part, which has opened up the men’s draw and means that a number of potential players could put their hands up and be counted.

We are all hoping that it is a fortnight that Andy Murray can take full advantage of and become the first British player to win the even for so many years that it is difficult to remember. However, there is some Swiss man that wants to win it more so than ever.

Roger Federer could win the event for the sixth time and become officially the greatest player to ever pick up a racket and take to the game. If he dazzles us again on the grass as he has done so many times in the past then we will all be quite content if he out plays Murray and knocks him out with some moments of brilliance.

It is a lot harder to predict what will happen on the women’s side of the event. There are a lot of women that can step up and use the event to re-announce themselves onto the world scene. The Williams sisters will always be a force to be reckoned with but the growing prominence of the Eastern Europeans could produce a winner.

The big news is the inclusion of Maria Sharapova who will want to prove to everyone that she can still play at the highest level. The Russian is just coming back from a bad injury that has kept her out of action for much of the last year and it will be interesting to see if she can cope with the pace and the high level of competition this year.

This is all without mentioning the number of other doubles and junior events that are going on around the area that will provide us with non stop entertainment over the next 14 days. It really is a case of sit back and be amazed as we wait to see who will win the major honours this year.

Dodgy line calls, spectacular rallies, world record speed serves as well as the odd streaker are probably all guaranteed as tennis will take over our televisions and provide us all with numerous talking points as we go about our daily lives.

Murray Mount will be busier than ever and this is by far and away the best chance in living memory for a British player to rise to the occasion and give us all something to cheer about. We would all love to see him beat Federer in an epic final but there is a lot of tennis and a few matches to be played before then and there will be plenty of players who will want Murray’s head on a stick before the tournament is over.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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’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. 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.

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 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 has 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. 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.

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 is 23 and hits out on every shot. 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.

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. The Indian beauty 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. 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.

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 reached the fourth round in Australia this year and was disappointed with her second round ouster in Paris. 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 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. She need all the support we can muster!