Maria Sharapova is the last star standing. Gone are Venus Williams, Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. Kim Clijsters never even showed up. So Sharapova is the lone recognizable name on the ladies' side at The Championships at Wimbledon, and most would agree that this year's tournament at All England is hers to lose. Some other competitors, however, are hoping to use this moment to ascend into the spotlight in a global way.
Victoria Azarenka will be facing Petra Kvitova in Centre Court today, and the match should be the best of the day with the No. 4 ranked Azarenka hoping to make good on her big chance to enter the Finals, while the No. 8 Kvitova is thinking the same. Kvitova already has three singles titles this year, although her finishes at the Grand Slam events so far have only gotten her to the quarterfinals (Australian Open) and the fourth round (French Open). Wimbledon could make her much more recognizable. The two play on ESPN at 7am ET/6am CT in a match that's also streaming live on ESPN3.com.
In another match that will not be televised in the U.S., Sharapova will be taking on German qualifier Sabine Lisicki who has already done well for herself here at Wimbledon. She's already defeated Li Na along her path to the semi-finals -- one of only two qualifiers to ever do so -- and now she's on the threshold of history. They also play at Centre Court at the same time.
Betting Odds for today's matches:
Victoria Azarenka -EVEN
Petra Kvitova - 14/25
Maria Sharapova - 1/3
Sabine Lisicki - 11/5
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