London — Serena Williams was considered a "dangerous floater" a week ago, but halfway through Wimbledon the American now looks favourite to win an eighth, and perhaps most special, title. The exodus of seeded players has been so spectacular that only one of the top 10 remains — No7 Karolina Pliskova. World No1 Simona Halep, defending champion Garbine Muguruza, Australian Open winner Caroline Wozniacki and US Open title holder Sloane Stephens are all out. Add double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and Serena’s older sister, Venus, to that list, and there is a strong case to say the title is now Serena’s to lose, so impressive has the 36-year-old American been despite playing only a handful of matches in 2018 after giving birth to a girl in September 2017. At 181 she is the lowest ranked player left in the draw, but that will fool nobody. She was sensibly bumped up to 25th seed and has fully vindicated that decision, winning all six sets she has played. It is unlikely that 29-year-ol...
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