LOOKING AHEAD TO WIMBLEDON

The women

(world rankings in parentheses)

Venus Williams (3), United States: This regal sort has won the last two Wimbledons, three of the last four, five overall. It’s such a long way from when she was noted for purple-and-green hair beads.

Serena Williams (2), United States: After Dinara Safina vaulted to No. 1 in May, Williams briefly quibbled with the computer before relenting even though she’s 24-2 in Grand Slams with two titles since last Wimbledon. It’s always tricky when somebody relents after being right the first time.

Dinara Safina (1), Russia: If she manages to reach a fourth Grand Slam final with her 0-3 record, many people in possession of hearts will root for her. Others, also possessing hearts, will cover their eyes.

Svetlana Kuznetsova (5), Russia: The French Open champion is a two-time Grand Slam titlist whom the planet quite embraced even given her gregariousness, wit and decency. Sometimes it’s clearly just a crummy planet.

Victoria Azarenka (8), Belarus: This onrushing 19-year-old embodies a geopolitical truth about the former Soviet Union. When they opened the doors, a thousand gifted girls who could maul tennis balls just toppled out.

Michelle Larcher De Brito (90), Portugal: This 16-year-old wreaked a ruckus with her astonishing screaming when hitting shots at the French. When she plays Wimbledon, one or two British tabloids might just turn up.

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The men

Rafael Nadal (1), Spain: Even as his withdrawal from the Queen’s Club tuneup raises questions about fitness, it’s remarkable to remember he has played the last three finals, a province once considered foreign to Spaniards. It helps if you’re not only Spaniard but Herculean.

Roger Federer (2), Switzerland: The freshly minted best player ever will try to become only the second player since 1980 to win the French and Wimbledon in the same year. It’s always tough for those clay-court specialists.

Andy Murray (3), Britain: This brilliant threat from Scotland will be the local story of the tournament, especially if he wins the title and the noise affects the new multi-million-pound roof on Centre Court by, say, dislodging it.

Novak Djokovic (4), Serbia: A fascinating player, he has tapered off somewhat since 2007 and early 2008. Of course, most people would love to taper off so profitably.

Andy Roddick (6), United States: Leaner, fitter, brighter after a positive French, he very well could contend. And if he reached a third final and lost, that would be another sign of a really crummy planet.

Marat Safin (22), Russia: The phenomenally entertaining 2008 semifinalist will grace his last Wimbledon and hold his last Wimbledon press conference. Reporters may well sob.

-- Chuck Culpepper