Russian tennis on the rise

Exclusive by Dmitry Shishkin

Teenager Maria Sharapova is one of 13 Russian women at Wimbledon

The Russian contingent at SW19 appears to grow steadily with every new season.

This year, at least 16 Russian players will be competing at this year's Wimbledon - 13 are in the women's draw, three are in the men's.

Only the USA have brought a larger team.

Russia's Davis Cup captain Shamil Tarpischev believes such an invasion is a success in its own right, but reckons that only a few of them will progress beyond the first couple of rounds.

"Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. To succeed in it is a dream that will never come true for the most tennis players," Tarpischev told BBC Sport.

"Over the last few years Russia has suddenly become the main export of new talents, particularly in the women's game.

"The dream of every Russian player who has come to Wimbledon can be fulfilled, but to achieve their goal they will need to beat their compatriots.

We are not expecting much from most of the women as they are still young and inexperienced

Shamil Tarpischev

"In general, the draw was favourable for the Russians with one exception - should all of the Russian girls progress to the second round, some of them will be forced to play each other."

If they all win their first-round matches, the second round will see Evgenia Kulikovskaya against Nadia Petrova, Dinara Safina against Elena Likhovtseva and Elena Bovina against 16-year-old wildcard Maria Sharapova.

But Tarpischev is simply happy to see so many Russian women competing on the WTA Tour.

"We were waiting eagerly for this group to come of age," he said.

"However, we are not expecting much from most of them as they are still young and inexperienced. At the same time we believe in magic.

"I'm worried by the performance of Elena Dementieva. She plays a very powerful game, but is rather unstable. Stability is a very important factor on grass."

RUSSIA'S SEEDS AT WIMBLEDON

Men's draw
16 Mikhail Youzhny
20 Yevgeny Kafelnikov
33 Nikolay Davydenko

Women's draw
10 Anastasia Myskina
15 Elena Dementieva
16 Vera Zvonareva
21 Elena Bovina
29 Nadia Petrova
31 Elena Likhovtseva

In the men's draw, Nikolay Davydenko will be seeking revenge against the 22-year-old Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, who recently defeated him in Halle.

Marat Safin would have been a real contender if fully fit but has had to withdraw.

Yevgeny Kafelnikov meets the Dutchman Raemon Sluiter in the first round in what will be their first ever encounter.

"Kafelnikov has been feeling well lately and he is able to play his best tennis on grass," said Tarpischev.

"But everything comes to his serve, if he is calm and gathered, the result will come."