Sharapova bids to emulate Navratilova

Not since 1986 have both the reigning champions gone on to successfully defend their Wimbledon titles, but that's exactly what the bookies are predicting will happen when the greatest tennis tournament of them all begins on Monday.

At 11/4 (3.75), Maria Sharapova does not represent much value for the women's title, but her record on grass cannot be argued with. The Russian, who stormed to the title 12 months ago, beating Serena Williams in the final, won last week at Edgbaston and looks to be the one to beat. The world No 2 has a good draw, even though she could meet Serena in the semi-finals, and it's hard to see anyone stopping her at least reaching the last four, barring injury or illness that is.

What kind of shape Serena will turn up in is anyone's guess after an ankle injury that she suffered in Florida in April wrecked her plans for a tilt at the French Open, keeping her away from Roland Garros. It's always dangerous to write her off, however, as she often plays well first time out, as she did in Australia this year when she won the title. At 7/2 (4.50), she cannot be ignored, but it's French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne who is likely to receive plenty of support after her outstanding triumph in Paris. The Belgian, also an 11/4 (3.75) chance, lost to Venus Williams in the final in 2001, and though grass is not her best surface, she has to be respected.

Another Belgian, Kim Clijsters, is 9/2 (5.50), and on her day, she can beat anyone, though the knee injury that was heavily strapped in Paris could prove troublesome on grass, where movement is very different.

Venus Williams is nowhere near the player she was when she won the title in 2000 and 2001, and while Amelie Mauresmo is 20/1 (21.00), of the outsiders, world number one Lindsay Davenport must have a great chance of winning the title for a second time. The 1999 champion does not move as well as the other women, but that weakness is less exaggerated on grass where her heavy groundstrokes make her tough to beat. With Sharapova, Serena, Henin-Hardenne and Venus all in the other half, she must be licking her lips at the prospect of going all the way again providing her body holds up. At 12/1 (13.00) she is the best value in the field.