Maria Sharapova: 5 Reasons She's a Lock To Win Wimbledon 2011

Maria Sharapova is arguably the best player left on the women’s side of Wimbledon 2011.

The fifth-seeded Sharapova is the only former Wimbledon champion left in the women’s draw, and in my opinion, she is now the favorite to win it all.

She hasn’t even lost a set in this tournament so far, and granted she most likely will lose one eventually, but let’s be honest: Sharapova is on fire right now.

Here are five reasons Maria Sharapova is a lock to win Wimbledon 2011:

5. Good Health

Health and endurance are keys in the championships and right now, Sharapova is looking to be in excellent health.

Her conditioning seems to be spectacular.

I don’t think I need to explain the importance of good health at Wimbledon.

4. Plays Well on Grass

Grass is widely thought to be Sharapova’s best surface to play on, and those of you who understand tennis know how important being comfortable on the playing surface is.

When she’s comfortable, she is able to let loose a bit and let her natural skills take over, rather than having to think and worry about how the surface will affect her game.

3. French Open

Sharapova looked great at the 2011 French Open and made it to the finals.

Unfortunately for her, she lost to Li Na, but I think that loss is going to come into play here at Wimbledon.

I feel she is going to use that loss as extra motivation—as if she needs any—to propel herself over the hump and win Wimbledon.

2. Dominating Performance

Sharapova is absolutely on fire right now.

Her last opponent, Slovak Dominika Cibulkova, had absolutely no chance against her, losing in a 6-1, 6-1 route.

The Williams sisters and No. 1-seeded Caroline Wozniacki are all out of the tournament, which has set Sharapova up for a comparatively easy road to the championship.

1. Former Wimbledon Champion

Don’t underestimate the value and the edge that she gains over her competition by being a former Wimbledon champion.

She won the tournament in 2004, so she knows what it takes to go the whole way at the All England Club

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