A Step Ahead: Wimbledon

With the grass court season so short there is little time to waste making early moves particularly as two of the three players The Overrule is about to identify are in action this week. Over the past three years only one woman has been able to beat Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon and she just happens to be the greatest women's player of all-time - Serena Williams.

Williams is odds-on to defend the crown she won last year and it's almost impossible to make a case against her at Wimbledon other than to look for value elsewhere in the each-way market. Kvitova lost to Williams in the last eight last year and the last four in 2010.

In 2011 she was unstoppable on her way to her maiden Grand Slam title and the evidence of why is exhibited in this wonderfully edited video that is a must watch for any tennis fan.

At 14/1 Kvitova is worthy value as an each-way selection. Even when not playing at her best she will still be a very difficult proposition for anyone other than Williams and if the draw works out where she might avoid Williams until the final it's hard to see her being priced as highly as she currently is.

The Overrule will back Kvitova with one point each-way.

1* Petra Kvitova win Wimbledon (each-way) at 14/1 (Boylesports) (each-way terms 1/2 odds 1-2 places)

Tomas Berdych faced an early exit at the French Open and will hope for a kinder early round draw than he received in Paris at Wimbledon. Berdych is a former Wimbledon finalist and with various concerns surrounding Novak Djokovic (one title in his last six tournaments - below expectations given his lofty standards), Andy Murray (injury) and Roger Federer (father-time) there might be an opportunity for Berdych to have a similar run to the one which saw him defeat Federer and Djokovic on his way to the 2010 final.

50/1 is big on a player who has the capabilities Berdych has and he has the experience and confidence of knowing he's done well at Wimbledon before to not be overawed by the prospect of doing so again. The Overrule will back Berdych with half a point each-way.

0.5* Tomas Berdych win Wimbledon (each-way) at 50/1 (Boylesports) (each-way terms 1/2 odds 1-2 places)

Milos Raonic has never been beyond the second round in his two visits to SW19 but that will surely change sooner rather than later. The Canadian has a massive serve but that can often be offset by a pretty limited return game. However, Raonic has taken at least a few baby steps in his return game since this time last year, although you might need a magnifying glass to spot them at times.

At 100/1 he's one of the outsiders that should at least have his sights set on reaching the second week. And if the draw opened up or he was able to put together a first really big win at Grand Slam level against an elite opponent then we'd have plenty of room to adjust our positions. As with Berdych, The Overrule will back Raonic with half a point each-way. 

0.5* Milos Raonic win Wimbledon (each-way) at 100/1 (Boylesports) (each-way terms 1/2 odds 1-2 places)