Two of the WTA’s fast-rising stars are Garbine Muguruza and Timea Bacsinszky. Each aims to avoid an early stumble against quality opposition in the first round of Wimbledon.

Garbiñe Muguruza vs. Varvara Lepchenko

Ascending up the ranks in tennis is all about seizing opportunities and playing one's best when it matters most.  Nowhere are there more ranking points up for grabs than at the majors.  Garbiñe Muguruza and Vavara Lepchenko are aware of this.  That is why each woman will look to be at her sharpest when they square off for the right to move on to the second round of Wimbledon.

As the seeded player currently ranked No. 20, Muguruza is the favorite to advance.  She has notched some notable victories in her young career, and having twice reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros, she has already illustrated that she is capable of going deep at a Grand Slam.  She is also comfortable on the quicker surfaces and lists the serve as her favorite shot, which should theoretically bode well for her chances on grass.  In addition to that, she is one of the most powerful ball-strikers in the sport, able to go big off both wings.  As a result, she enters most encounters, including her upcoming match with Lepchenko, knowing that the outcome of the match is predominantly in her hands.

But Muguruza should not be too quick to dismiss Lepchenko.  The American nearly secured a seed for herself at this year's Wimbledon, and at her current ranking of No. 38, she is unlikely to be intimidated by the Spaniard or see her playing at a significantly superior level to her own.  Additionally, Lepchenko has played her share of big matches and garnered some stunning victories, so she will not be short on experience or belief.  It is true that she lacks the same brand of firepower as Muguruza, so it is imperative that she avoid getting pinned behind the baseline.  She is going to have to play outside of her comfort zone by coming forward when she can and utilizing her advantage in the movement department to extend the rallies and be the more consistent player if possible.  If Muguruza is having a bad day at the office, that may be all that is needed to secure a victory.

It is the mental state of the players that is the greatest intangible in this match.  When Muguruza and Lepchenko take to the court, they will see an opponent that they know is at her worst on grass.  The downside is the self-doubts that will also be with them, since each woman is painfully aware that grass has never been overly kind to her.  Lepchenko has enjoyed the better result on these hallowed lawns with her third-round appearance in 2012, but Muguruza has been producing the overall better level of tennis.  The Spaniard has to keep in mind that she has a game that should translate well to the grass and forget about her past on this surface.  If she can do that and play within herself, she should get through even the toughest of moments.

Fans will be hoping for plenty of tough and exciting moments, but it remains to be seen if such moments will stem from scintillating tennis or nerve-filled performances.  If it is the former with the players bringing their best to the table, expect Muguruza to advance.  If it is the latter, however, it is anyone's guess as to who might eke out the win.

Timea Bacsinszky vs. Julia Goerges

In tennis, as with most sports, achieving a career breakthrough is difficult.  What is often equally or more difficult is living up to, replicating, or potentially exceeding that feat.  That is the challenge that Timea Bacsinszky is facing, and one with which her opponent Julia Goerges is all too familiar.

Prior to this year's Roland Garros, Bacsinszky was hardly a well-known player.  In fact, given that she represents Switzerland, it is probably safe to assume she was relegated to the shadows even within her own country.  But she made great strides towards upping her stature in the sport with what she did a month ago in Paris.  She reached the final four before bowing out to Serena Williams in three sets, clipping a number of other talented players along her journey there.  After such an impressive run, it is only natural that many would be anxious to see how she performs at Wimbledon and going forward.

Albeit to a lesser extent, Goerges can somewhat relate to the situation of the Swiss.  Three years ago, it was the German who was ranked No. 15 and a player many believed had the requisite weaponry and potential to possibly move up in the game.  She soon faltered under the weight of expectations, however, and her ranking spiraled downward.  She has put forth a good effort to work her way back up to No. 56, and after putting together respectable fourth-round results at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, there are some indications that Goerges may be ready to work her way back up the rankings. 

Despite the difference in their rankings, it could be argued that neither woman enjoys a decisive edge in this match.  From a purely strategic standpoint, it is Bacsinszky who is the better mover and more consistent from the back of the court.  She also is confident on serve and possesses greater variety, something which is frequently rewarded on grass.  That said, Goerges is a former top-20 doubles player, who will not hesitate to move forward and take time away from Bacsinszky.  Furthermore, the German's forehand is the biggest weapon on the court, and if she is striking the ball well from that side, it could be a quick exit for the Swiss.

Both women have dismal records on the grass, and they have split their only two prior meetings.  Between the pair, Bacsinszky is the one less likely to go away if things are not going well, which is why it is essential for Goerges that she get on top or stay even early with the Swiss.  If she can do that, the bulk of the pressure will be squarely on Bacsinszky's shoulders.  She is the seeded player.  She is the favorite.  If she can embrace the new expectations that came with what she accomplished in Paris, she should come through with flying colors.  If not, Goerges could pick her off for the upset.

This is a match that has the makings of becoming an entertaining affair.  Much will depend on which Goerges shows up and where Bacsinszky's head is following her exploits in Paris.  If the Swiss is comfortable with the new level of pressure facing her, she should find a way to get by the German.  If not, then do not be stunned to see Bacsinszky become one of the early casualties at this year's Championships.