Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Free to a good home: women's French Open trophy

Looks like some of the favorites aren't too interested in winning the French Open. Sharapova was the latest to tap out, losing to Dinara Safina. First of all, props to Safin's sister, who might end up my sister-in-law one day. (Just kidding, hubster ...) She's been on the cusp for some time, and she's made some huge strides this season. She's taken down Serena Williams and was the person who officially ushered Justine Henin into retirement. She seems to have harnessed that temper, and if she can do that, I give her a good chance to come out of her half. She's never lost to Elena Dementieva on clay, but Svetlana Kuznetsova is the big question mark. We all know what Kuznetsova can do, but she seems to have some serious mental yips going at the end of Slams. She should take care of Kaia Kanepi in the quarters, though.
That was a pretty big "first of all." Back to Sharapova. Very unlike her to let two leads slip away. No question that she is the one of the best ball bashers out there. The problem I see for Sharapova is that there is no plan B. Anyone who can run down her shots can be a problem. Having said that, she'll probably win Wimbledon without having to hit a second groundstroke.
Ivanovic just gave Patty Schnyder the beat down, and Jelena Jankovic is up next against Spain's Carla Navarro. Have you ever met someone who can't function unless they're surrounded by drama? You know, those people who always say they have debilitating injuries during their matches or has a cold or has a chipped fingernail. Yeah. Jankovic in two angst-filled sets.

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