Maria Sharapova is 'just the coolest', says Brit wildcard Dart

LONDON, UK - British wildcard Harriet Dart is excited about Wimbledon - not least the chance of playing some of her childhood heroines on the famous grass courts.

"Ever since I was really young I've looked up to [Maria] Sharapova – I think she's just the coolest person, honestly," she told Metro. "I've been almost star struck a bit by her. She’s been amazing for the game.

"And also Serena, you know, she’s just incredible. She's had to fight through so many things in her career. Obviously now coming back from having a baby, it's just incredible. She’s the greatest player of all time so it’s incredible she's playing at this age."

The 21-year-old expects Serena to challenge for the title in SW19 - but thinks there are plenty of other contenders too.

LOOK: Queens of the grass - Wimbledon champions of the last 20 years

"Serena has won Wimbledon seven times. She’s won it so many times so it’s silly to say she’s not a favourite because she is.

"You've also got players who have been doing well recently with [Caroline] Wozniacki winning the Australian Open and [Simona] Halep winning the French Open so I think there are lots of players coming into the field. Obviously then [Petra] Kvitova, who is a huge hitter and previous champion, also [Garbiñe] Muguruza. It's going to be a very tough tournament for everyone, I think."

The new World No.171 beat Kristyna Pliskova in Eastbourne last week - and now faces Karolina in the first round of the Wimbledon singles, while with partner Katy Dunne she will take on Aleksandra Krunic and Kateryna Bondarenko in the doubles. She's confident they can do the home fans proud.

"It will be good," she added. "I think we can win some matches and do well at Wimbledon this year."