The short gap between Roland Garros and Wimbledon is nearly closed. Some WTA players squeezed in court time at a handful of grass tournaments during the last few weeks, while others opted for rest. Regardless of individual strategies, each will enter London hoping to maximize success. But some women will descend on Wimbledon with the label of contender. Here is a look at some of them.

Serena Williams

When discussing favorites at major championships, it has become redundant to begin with Williams, but she continues to be the main focal point. Once again, all will take their shots at the top-ranked player in the world, who will seek to continue her quest for history.

The five-time Wimbledon champion certainly needs no additional motivation playing on a surface where she is clearly comfortable. Nevertheless, Williams has plenty of additional incentive as she chases Steffi Graf from a historical standpoint. With a title at London, she would not only become one major title short of equaling the German but she would be one short of completing a calendar Grand Slam. Graf was the last woman to accomplish this feat.

The American has shown some cracks in her armor of late, but she has exhibited the ability to summon enough to overcome them. For most players, this is a dangerous method of operation, yet Williams seems to have the unique ability to quickly right the ship. She chose not to play any grass court tournaments prior to Wimbledon, clearly placing an emphasis on maximizing her health for the upcoming fortnight. Will she return to London in tip-top shape, or will uneven play finally cost her at a Grand Slam event this season?

Petra Kvitova

The Czech is one of just a handful who can match Williams’ power strike-for-strike and benefits from the fast grass surface. The defending and two-time champion at Wimbledon has found her comfort zone in London at the only major in which she has reached a final.

The world No. 2 blitzed through the draw in 2014, dropping just one set en route to her championship. Overpowering opponents in an impressive fashion, she made fast work of most of them last year. With her improved ranking, she will be placed in the opposite side of the draw from Williams and could only face her in the final. Additionally, with two titles in her pocket, the pressure of expectations to break through for a second time are no longer on her shoulders. This should allow her to play in a comfort zone on a surface where she thrives.

Maria Sharapova

With Sharapova’s recent success on clay, some forget that she is a past Wimbledon champion, albeit in 2004. But the 28-year-old holds an impressive 77-17 career record on grass. She has dialed back her appearances on the surface in recent years but is another player who should benefit from the distinctive traits of the grass courts.

However, Sharapova has not found success at the tournament since her run to the final in 2011, where she fell to Kvitova. So why peg her as a contender? Simply stated, she has the heart and will of a champion and certainly has the intensity to inspire a deep run. With the level of weaponry at her disposal, you might say that she is overdue as well.

One difficulty that could lie ahead for the five-time major champion is her potential seeding. As rankings stand today, she might be placed in Williams’ half of the draw. Her struggles against the American are well-documented, since she has not defeated this opponent since 2004. Nonetheless, it is never wise to discount Sharapova in a major tournament. A tell-tale sign for success this year could be her ability to build momentum in the early rounds, similar to that of her 2011 run to the final.

Simona Halep

Halep did not put together her best stretch of tennis during the clay season, and her inability to cash in on a major title after coming close is a topic for discussion. However, Halep’s consistency and court intelligence keeps her in the mix for most titles, including Wimbledon.

The Romanian hopes to better her semifinal result from last year, when she fell to Eugenie Bouchard there. And, while grass has not historically been her best surface, she is 14-4 on the surface in the last three years heading into Wimbledon.

Halep is quick, consistent from the baseline, and can play defense well enough to hold her own against the power hitters on a surface that favors them. With a favorable draw and matchups, she could certainly put together a successful fortnight ahead.

Lucie Safarova

Recent results from this spring earmark Safarova as a contender at Wimbledon. Now sixth in the world and coming off a finals appearance at Roland Garros, she is playing with the confidence needed for a deep run.

Historically, grass has not been the Czech’s preferred surface, but a semifinal run in London in 2014 highlighted her ability to compete on it. Her recent momentum, coupled with success at Wimbledon last year, suggests a dangerous competitor. Considered a late bloomer, Safarova will look to ride a strong wave of momentum into the third major of the year. This wave included placing Williams on the ropes for a time in the French Open final before the American finally rebounded.

Some may say that projecting Safarova as a contender is strictly a momentum pick, but could we be witnessing a player who is peaking at just the right point in her career instead?

There are many players capable of earning a championship at tennis’ most storied tournament, but these five are a handful who appear poised and ready to either strike for their first major or add to an already impressive trophy case.