The number in brackets denotes seeding for the tournament.

Serena Williams (1)

No one can keep up with the American when she is at her very best, but those moments, at least in grand slams, may be on the wane. 2014 has brought three titles (Brisbane, Miami and Rome) but grand slam success has eluded her. And it’s not so much the losses, but the way she has handled them that is concerning. Williams is mentally fragile now, possibly due to advancing years, and quite often weeps during play. For a change, the five-time champion is not the favourite.

Li Na (2)

The Australian Open champion is a powerful player with the world’s finest backhand. But she is erratic. After a terrific start to the season, she has tailed off and lost in the second round at Roland Garros. She could well figure, but do not be surprised if this extremely likeable competitor departs in the first week.

Simona Halep (3)

Halep’s wonderful athleticism and superb timing remind me of one my favourite former players, Justine Henin. That’s why I am a huge fan of the Romanian and feel that she could go all the way at SW19. Halep exploded last year when she won six titles in the second half of the season. She has backed that up with a title at Doha, and a superb run to the final of Roland Garros. If you get a chance, watch this lady. At some stage, a grand slam title awaits.

Agnieszka Radwanska (4)

Last year’s semi-finalist has had a solid if uninspired year. She has gone deep in multiple tournaments but so far has failed to lift a trophy. Extremely talented and a superb athlete, Radwanska should do well in London. But something has been lacking in her performances thus far.

Maria Sharapova (5)

I have never been a huge fan of the Russian but I believe she will win this year’s event. She is in superb form, with her French Open victory the finest of three titles this year. Commendably, her movement has recently improved and her serve looks more solid. She should figure in the last four.

Ana Ivanovic (11)

This former world number one has regained some form and it is great to see. An attacking player with a monstrous forehand, Ivanovic can light up a tournament and challenge the very best. So far this season she has picked up three titles at Auckland, Monterrey and Birmingham - her first grass court trophy. A second round loss or potential semi-finalist, she could go either way.

Eugenie Bouchard (13)

The dreaded label of ‘poster girl’ has been bestowed on this young Canadian, but there is a lot more to her than that. Bouchard has had a breakout year with a win at Nürnberg, and more importantly, deep runs at the slams. She’s fearless, a great competitor and her play can get inspired. The Wimbledon crowd are going to love her.

Others of note

Petra Kvitova (6)

Former champion but has not shown that exceptional form in some time.

Victoria Azarenka (8)

Would normally be in contention but a foot injury has wrecked her season.

Dominika Cibulkova (10)

Small of stature but big of heart, she has surprisingly powerful strokes.

Sabine Lisicki (19)

Last year’s finalist has had a poor season, blighted by injury.

Andrea Petkovic (20)

Semi-finalist at the French, back to full fitness, could surprise.

Tsvetana Pironkova (unseeded)

If she does little else during the season, she plays well here.