Former Wimbledon champion Lindsay Davenport believes Johanna Konta could become the first British woman to win the singles title at SW19 since 1977.
Virginia Wade was the last Brit to win the crown but this year’s draw is wide open.
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And British No.1 Konta is seen as Britain’s best chance of ending that 42-year curse at Wimbledon 2019.
The 19th seed begun her campaign on Tuesday with a 7-5 6-2 victory against unseeded Ana Bogdan.
Konta has gone into the tournament off the back of a good clay court season which saw her reach the last four of the French Open.
John McEnroe, who won the men’s singles title three times, suggested there’s no reason why Konta couldn’t go all the way this year.
He told the Evening Standard: “Right now, Jo has a great chance of getting to the Final and even winning it. It’s wide open.
“And there’s every chance of it being a first-time Slam winner this year. We’ve had nine different [female] Grand Slam winners in the last 10, so why not Jo?”
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The form book has already been thrown out the window with a number of shocks taking place on day one, including five-time champion Venus Williams losing to 15-year-old Coco Gauff in straight sets.
And Davenport, who won the women’s singles title in 1999, agreed with McEnroe’s claims about Konta’s credentials.
Speaking to talkSPORT.com, the American said: “I feel like that about Konta because she’s had such a great clay court season which typically isn’t her strongest suit and that will give her confidence to play here.
“It’s not easy for her though, she’s under a lot of pressure and wants to play well here.
“But her game translates well on this surface – taking the ball early, being aggressive, hitting them hard and flat. She’s gotten more used to handling the pressure when playing in this country.
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“I’d like her to do well, I don’t mind her draw either. She’s got the confidence from playing so well at the French and I think it could be a big Wimbledon for her.”
But when asked about who she thinks will be the women’s singles champion, Davenport admitted it’s very difficult to pick.
She added: “Who knows? Who would have picked Ashleigh Barty to win the French Open? There are about ten or twelve women who could win the tournament.
“The men’s side is not the case. You feel it will be two or three guys with a chance.
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“I’d be stunned if it’s not Novak [Djokovic] or Roger [Federer].
“Rafa [Nadal] is great but his results on grass over the last few years have not been perfect, I think the surface is hard on his knee but because the courts are slower this year maybe that’ll help him.”
Tim Henman and Lindsay Davenport are ambassadors for HSBC, who are supporters of Wimbledon and the Ticket Resale Scheme. More info can be found here.
Source: TalkSport.com Tennis
