The standard of tennis on the ITF Tour is steadily rising, 29-year-old Russian qualifier, Evgeniya Rodina (world ranked 116) has spent the grass court season honing her craft and obtaining match practice on the tour. This has certainly paid dividends. The experience stood her in good stead to make swift and impressive progress through three potentially tricky Wimbledon qualifying matches. This incorporates a victory over the deft Japanese player Mayo Hibi.
Antonia Lottner 1st round opponent for Rodina
Fellow qualifier, German Antonia Lottner is the Russian's first-round opponent.
This means that one of these players will have played four matches to make the second round. Whereas, tournament favourite Kvitová and British favourite Jo Konta will only need one win to make this stage. The value of coming through the qualifiers cannot be underestimated, however, Rodina should she defeat the German will have gained needed match experience on this year's surface. This would give her confidence going into a second-round match against Cirstea or 19th seed Rybarikova.
Evgeniya Rodina holds a 1-0 head-to-head lead over Lottner, courtesy of a victory on grass at Hertogenbosch in 2017. She will fancy her chances of a repeat victory.
Rodina a powerful player capable of making waves in the main draw
At the recent ITF Fuzion Manchester, grass court event - Rodina powered to victory with crushing backhands and blasting ground-shots to destroy former Wimbledon Juniors Champion, Claire Liu. Rodina shares motherhood in common with Serena Williams, who is returning to Wimbledon after welcoming baby Alexis last September.
For qualifiers such as Rodina and Lottner, it's about setting goals. Rodina's best performance at Wimbledon is the 3rd round. That was way back in 2008. She has never been past that stage. However, she is playing with confidence and soaring through the qualifiers without losing a set and this will give her confidence to beat that achievement.
Rodina is not looking a natural on grass as she plays a lot of her tennis from the baseline. Her power gives her an edge and the warm weather may make the Wimbledon courts a tad fast this year. This is something that will favour Rodina, both over Lottner and in general. While Wimbledon for many is about Konta, Muguruza, Kvitová, Sharapova and Serena Williams. Life on the circuit is not as easy for those having to consistently qualify for tournaments. It's good to follow the likes of Rodina and wish them success.
Prediction: Rodina should win through to play Rybarikova or Cirstea. Match starts 11;30am (GMT)
