TENNIS Magazine's Wimbledon Preview

The July 2008 issue of TENNIS Magazine (w/ Roger Federer on the cover) includes a Wimbledon Preview. Stephen Tignor (Executive Editor) analyzes 7 players on both the ATP and WTA tour. He gives insight as to where (and why) he thinks they will stand (or fall) during the tournament. On page 38, these are his exact words on Serena:

"The last year and a half have been a time of transition for Serena Williams. She began 2007 with a patented lightning run to the Australian Open title. It seemed that she had proven again that when she focuses, nobody can hang with her. Then a funny thing happened: somebody hung with her. That was Henin, of course, who beat Williams in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. This is something new for Williams, now 26 and an 11-year tour veteran. How she reacts will set the tone for the rest of her career. She began her counterattack on a high note this spring, winning three straight tournaments and humbling Henin 6-2, 6-0 in Key Biscane.

During that run, Williams showed why, no matter how rusty or erratic or out of sorts she may be, she remains a formidable challenge for anyone. Serena's secret is simple - nobody hits the ball better than she does. While her footwork may leave her out of position, all she needs is a good swing at a ball in her strike zone. The result, more times than not, is a shriek, a bullet into the corner, and an opponent left flailing hopelessly. It's still hard to hang with that.

FORTNIGHT FORECAST: Williams, a two-time Wimbledon champion, believes she can win anywhere but she's even more sure of herself in London. She has the best serve in women's tennis and her straight-back, straight-forward strokes work well on grass. The flat shots they produce only travel faster on Centre Court."

PREDICTION: CHAMPION