Six players who have made a strong impression heading to the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

LUCIE SAFAROVA, 28 (CZE)

A Wimbledon semi-finalist a year ago, she reached the French Open final this month.

Lithe and athletic, the Czech's powerful, sweeping serve is lethal on grass and she follows it up with a liquid whip of a forehand.

With her rising confidence, the world No. 6 is capable of duplicating compatriot Petra Kvitova's triumphs at Wimbledon. But she is in a loaded top half of the draw with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.

KEVIN ANDERSON, 29 (RSA)

The 2.03m-tall player has a huge serve and first-strike forehand. Ranked a career-high 14th, he excels at imposing his game on his opponent, which puts him in control of most matches.

Anderson wins quick points. He struggles against great returners but seems ready to break through, and grass could be his best surface.

TIMEA BACSINSZKY, 26 (SUI)

Her run to the semi-finals of the French Open showcased her blend of power and touch. She serves with accuracy and pace but what has vaulted her to the top level is her ability to disrupt her opponents' rhythm with deft drop shots, off-speed slices and superb defensive skills.

The Swiss, ranked No. 15, has thrived working with Dimitri Zavialoff, who has rekindled her love of the game by encouraging her to play creatively.

VIKTOR TROICKI, 29 (SRB)

A resurgent Serb, he has had a remarkable grass-court season, reaching the semi-finals at Queen's Club and the final in Stuttgart.

The world No. 24 has a powerful, rangy presence on the court and comes up with his best tennis when under pressure.

He has the competitive will to make a deep run at Wimbledon.

MADISON KEYS, 20 (USA)

The heir apparent to Serena Williams possesses a cannon of a serve which she backs up with ground-strokes hit with astonishing force.

Since hiring Lindsay Davenport as her coach late last year, Keys has learnt to temper her ball-striking and force errors rather than go for winners.

The world No. 21 reached the Australian Open semi-finals and has the game to go deep into the Wimbledon fortnight.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV, 18 (GER)

A former No. 1 junior player from Germany, the 1.98m-tall Zverev serves bombs but he has a surprisingly complete all-court game.

The world No. 76's rising level of play makes him a dangerous threat in the draw. He could be a problem for fifth-seeded Kei Nishikori in the third round.

NEW YORK TIMES