THE usual suspects are still in the frame as we begin the second week of the ladies' singles.
The 16 remaining have between them taken part in 39 grand slam finals, and totted up no fewer than 25 major wins.
Assuming the rain stays off, there will be four former world No.1 players in action today (plus Maria Sharapova, who last month regained the top spot) and two former holders of the Venus Rosewater Dish. But in south-west London circa the summer of 2012 it seems wisest not to rush to conclusions. While Rafael Nadal has crashed out of the men's competition, and Roger Federer has been tested to the full, most of the big hitters in the woman's game have not entirely convinced either. This year's contest is shaping up as one of the most open for years.
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