GRASS DARK HORSES By Chris Oddo
Ranked outside the Top 10, these players can make deep runs at SW19
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Throw the ranking out the window because the 2013 Wimbledon finalist possesses something more important than a ranking when she comes to The Championships: Magic! She’s 23-6 lifetime and has reached at least the quarterfinals in her last five appearances. This year, Lisicki started her grass-court season by breaking the WTA’s record for aces in a match at Birmingham, a clear indication that Boom Boom hasn’t lost her mojo on the surface.
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Kevin Anderson
The hard-serving South African is a bit of a late bloomer, but the 29-year-old occupies a careerhigh ranking of 14 after his ride to the Queen’s Club final, where he proved that he can be an absolute nightmare on grass. The 6-foot-8 Anderson has the ability to serve anybody off the court, and his extra-wide wingspan helps him knock off volleys and smashes at net. Having reached the Wimbledon round of 16 last year before bowing out to Andy Murray, Anderson has a good shot to take it one step further this year. 16 2015 WIMBLEDON PREVIEW
Sabine Lisicki
Nick Kyrgios
The 20-year-old Aussie has had an an underwhelming grass season, playing uninspired tennis at Queen’s Club, splitting with coach Todd Larkham and admitting he felt like hiding out in his apartment and playing video games for a week. Not a great sign for a youngster long on talent, but short on maturity. So why pick Kyrgios as a dark horse? Because he raises his game at the Slams, he beat No. 1 Rafael Nadal en route to the 2014 Wimbledon quarterfinals and his brash, quick-strike style is perfectly suited for lawn success.
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BOOM BOOM HASN’T LOST HER MOJO ON GRASS. NO.18