Open race for Wimbledon prize

Men's tennis at Wimbledon is going through a transitional period.

While Pete Sampras' seven victories, Andre Agassi's showmanship and epics featuring Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Rafter still linger in the memory, a new breed is waiting to write their own chapter at SW19.

MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

Singles prize fund: £3,146,680

Winner: £575,000

Runner-up: £287,500

Last year's champion Lleyton Hewitt is the hot favourite again.

The Australian was the outstanding grasscourt player of 2002, soaring to a third successive Queen's victory before landing his first Wimbledon title.

So far, this season has told a slightly different story.

After suffering shock early exits at the Australian and French Opens he was ready to put things right ahead of Wimbledon by winning a fourth Queen's title.

But things did not go according to plan, falling to eventual finalist Sebastien Grosjean at the quarter-final stage.

However, the Australian is still a class act and a week's break will allow him to re-focus on the task that lies ahead.

British hope Tim Henman surprised many at Queen's by making it to the semi-finals.

A shoulder injury towards the end of last year hampered preparations and many expected the 28-year-old to suffer at the grasscourt event.

Although Henman is still a little ring-rusty, he should be back to near his best at Wimbledon, where he has appeared in four out of the last five semi-finals.

CHAMPIONS: 1992-2002

2002: Lleyton Hewitt (Aus)
2001: Goran Ivanisevic (Cro)
2000: Pete Sampras (USA)
1999: Pete Sampras (USA)
1998: Pete Sampras (USA)
1997: Pete Sampras (USA)
1996: Richard Krajicek (Ned)
1995: Pete Sampras (USA)
1994: Pete Sampras (USA)
1993: Pete Sampras (USA)
1992: Andre Agassi (USA)

Despite being near the pensionable age for a tennis star, 1992 champion Agassi is another strong contender for the title.

The American superstar still ranks among the best in the world and a good performance at Queen's is a clear indication that he will be a major threat at the championships.

Agassi will be hoping that he does not come across new sensation Andy Roddick.

He was beaten comprehensively by his compatriot at the recent West London event.

The 20-year-old, who landed the Queen's title, currently has the most powerful serve in the game and an equally powerful forehand.

The young talent has been installed as second favourite with many bookies.

Of the other players, Swiss star Roger Federer, Frenchman Grosjean and last year's semi-finalist Xavier Malisse of Belgium are good outside tips for the title.

The likes of French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero, Albert Costa, Carlos Moya and Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten are great players on all surfaces except grass, so it is unlikely they will pose a threat.