Wimbledon 2012: Players Who Will Use Day 1 Wins to Jump-Start Deep Runs

There has been plenty of star power on the grass courts of Wimbledon on Day 1. The two-week Grand Slam journey began with play on the top half of both draws as players attempt to win the season's third major event.

Getting off to a quick start is always a good sign for top contenders. The last thing they want to do is expel extra energy right away when the more difficult tests are yet to come. With that in mind, let's take a look at three players who are feeling good about their starts.

Maria Sharapova

Sharapova is riding a wave of momentum after winning her first French Open title earlier in the month. She overpowered Anastasia Rodionova en route to an easy 6-2, 6-3 victory, setting up a second-round match with Tsvetana Pironkova.

The biggest reason the Russian star has returned to the top of the game is her confidence. Her serving woes have become far less of a concern now that she's confident in her previously bothersome shoulder, and the rest of her game has fallen into place.

She has a favorable draw and shouldn't face a real test until at least the quarterfinals. At this point, it's going to take an extraordinary effort for anybody to beat her, making another championship a distinct possibility for Sharapova.

Novak Djokovic

As is customary at the All England Club, Djokovic received the honor of starting play on Centre Court as the defending champion. The draw didn't do him any favors, as he had to face savvy veteran Juan Carlos Ferrero in Round 1, but he cruised to a three-set victory.

Even though Djokovic lost to clay-court wizard Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, he should still be viewed as the favorite at Wimbledon. His all-around game is unmatched when he's in top form like he was against Ferrero today.

A potent semifinal clash with former Wimbledon king Roger Federer would be must-see TV, and there doesn't appear to be anybody who can slow Djokovic down before that point. He's simply on another level right now.

Agnieszka Radwanska

Radwanska has been widely overlooked even though she's the third seed. Perhaps her dominant straight-sets triumph over Magdalena Rybarikova will at least get people to put her in the championship conversation where she belongs.

What makes Radwanska a threat is her ability to return serve. Since only a few players on the WTA Tour have big serves, she's basically in every game she plays and eventually wears down opponents. It's a nice advantage to have.

Venus Williams was eliminated, which takes pressure off Radwanska next match, That should put her on track for a quarterfinal match against either Li Na or Sam Stosur. She's due for a Grand Slam breakthrough, and it could very well happen at Wimbledon.