The return of Venus Williams to the court at the Eastbourne Aegon International has sparked murmurs that the World No. 33 can challenge at Wimbledon 2011.

The five-time Wimbledon champion breezed into the quarterfinals yesterday after her 6-3, 6-2 win over Ana Ivanovic. Williams will now face Daniela Hantuchova in the quarterfinals.

Wins over difficult opponents in the form of Andrea Petkovic, whom she beat in the first round, and Ivanovic will fill Williams with confidence heading into Wimbledon.

Seeded 23rd for Wimbledon will mean she could face a top-10 player in the first week. Then again, would the likes of Caroline Wozniacki or even Serena Williams want to face Venus in the third round?

If Venus plays like she did against Ivanovic, who was a semifinalist at Birmingham last week, she has a great chance at Eastbourne and most importantly at Wimbledon.

A sixth Wimbledon title may be a little optimistic but a quarter- or semifinal appearance is realistic for Venus.