Some are already calling this the most predictable men's Wimbledon ever, with only three-and-a-half men's players seemingly in with a realistic shout of carrying off the prestigious All England Club title.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have once again been in a class of their own all season, while Andy Murray cannot be entirely discounted despite injuries and patchy recent form playing against him.
By contrast, the women's title is much more open, especially since Serena Williams' shocking recent capitulation in the French Open first round, and the less-than-inspiring form of reigning champion Petra Kvitova.
Here Mark Staniforth takes a look at 10 of the best outside bets who may provide some moments of magic on the lush lawns of SW19 - even if carrying off the crown is a big ask.
TOMAS BERDYCH
A surprise finalist two years ago, it was thought Berdych's undoubted talent had finally been realised. But since then it has been the same old story of unfulfilled potential for the Czech player. A bright season so far in 2012 suggests it is not to late for Berdych to achieve.
MILOS RAONIC
In an age when traditional serve-and-volley is threatening to become extinct, the booming Canadian is proving one for the grass-court purists. Undaunted by the big occasion, Raonic has twice pushed Roger Federer to final set tie-breaks this year. This is his chance to shine.
DAVID NALBANDIAN
Nalbandian may be back in the headlines for the wrong reasons, but no-one can doubt his grass-court ability. It is 10 years since he made a surprise appearance in the Wimbledon final, but his performance at Queen's - pre-line judge - means a return is not out of the question.
MARIN CILIC
Lumbered with the weight of recent Croatian tennis history in the shape of Goran Ivansevic, Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic, Cilic has never quite lived up to his promise. But his victory at Queen's underlined his ability on grass, and it would be no surprise to see him make good run.
BERNARD TOMIC
Tomic's Wimbledon build-up has been threatened by illness but the brash young Australian certainly proved his worth last year, when he became the youngest player since Boris Becker to reach the quarter-finals. Tomic seems to have the tools to one day figure in serious Grand Slam contention.
JANKO TIPSAREVIC
It seems light years ago that Tipsarevic blazed onto the scene at Wimbledon with tales of tattoos and dark Russian novels. These days, the Serbian is keen to let his tennis do the talking, and with a solid place in the top 10 secured, his new-found focus seems to be paying off.
ANA IVANOVIC
The former world number one has shown signs recently that she may be ready to begin her long climb back towards Grand Slam contention. She might not be quite there yet, but the likeable Serbian looks a good bet to challenge for a place in the second week.
SABINE LISICKI
Lisicki's recovery from a career-threatening injury to become only the second wild-card to make the women's semi-finals last year made her one of the stars of the tournament. The German has not pulled up too many trees since, but the grass clearly suits her game.
TSVETANA PIRONKOVA
The Bulgarian has developed a strange habit of doing next to nothing all year long, then excelling at Wimbledon. After reaching the semi-finals two years ago she returned to the last eight in 2011. Form may suggest otherwise, but history says Pironkova should not be written off.
JULIA GOERGES
Goerges is a somewhat inconsistent performer at the top level, capable of beating anyone on her day but never quite solid enough to confirm her place among the world's elite. Wins over Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Kvitova this year certainly augur well.
