Tennis Preview: 2006 Gaz de France Stars
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Oct 30, 2006 | Print
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October 30-November 5, 2006
Tier III
Hasselt, Belgium
2005 Results: (1) Kim Clijsters d. (3) Francesca Schiavone 6-2, 6-3
Total Prize Money: $175,000 (USD)
The Gaz de France Stars was originally boasting a field of four top ten players - quite remarkable for a Tier III event - but now with only hours before the start of the tournament, the draw has been narrowed down to just one top ten player. Nadia Petrova, Patty Schnyder, and Nicole Vaidisova have all bowed out of the event for one reason or another, leaving Kim Clijsters as the top seed.
As much as the tournament hated to lose three star players, they must still be relieved to have Kim making her comeback at this week’s tournament. She has a record of playing well in front of home crowds, and nothing would please Clijsters - not to mention the tournament officials – more than to see her have a deep run in the draw. With the exit of Petrova, Schnyder, and Vaidisova, Clijsters’ chances of reaching the final have drastically improved, with only Francesca Schiavone and Ana Ivanovic as main contenders for the trophy.
Seeded Players
1. Kim Clijsters
2. Francesca Schiavone
3. Ana Ivanovic
4. Anna-Lena Groenefeld
5. Ai Sugiyama
6. Vera Zvonareva
7. Samantha Stosur
8. Mara Santangelo
Correction: No first round byes were given at this event
A Quick Look at the Draw
Top Quarter>
Kim Clijsters is ready to compete again after about two months on the injury list, but there is no knowing just how much stress her wrist is able to take. She is being cautiously optimistic about her chances at Hasselt, but with all the other top players out, she should have a decent chance of reaching the semifinals for a meeting with Ana Ivanovic. Kim will play her opening match against a qualifier and could face Samantha Stosur in the quarterfinals. Stosur is perched at a career high of No. 30 and if Kim is playing tentatively with her still-recovering wrist, look for an upset by the world’s co-No. 1 doubles player.
Second Quarter
Anna-Lena Groenefeld has been slumping for most of the fall, but a solid run here at Hasselt could boost her confidence heading into next season. She is 1-5 since the US Open, and lucked up by getting seeded because of all the withdrawals. She has a good draw to the quarterfinals, but I hardly see her getting past Vera Zvonareva. Although she did not post the best of finishes at the Generali Ladies Linz last week, everyone was still talking about Vera because of her sportsmanship and character during Mary Pierce’s injury.
Third Quarter
I really like Ana Ivanovic’s chances of capturing the title, especially as she has a cakewalk draw straight to the semifinals. Mara Santangelo, the second highest seed in this quarter, has not defeated anyone ranked higher than herself since Pilot Pen and may not be able to get past Michaella Krajicek in the first round.
Bottom Quarter
Could the Gaz de France Stars be the tournament that finally sees Francesca Schiavone winning a singles title? With a record of being 0-8 in championship matches, Schiavone is very overdue for a big win. The draw at Hasselt may prove to be kind to her, but she could be in for a tough quarterfinal against Ai Sugiyama. With Mary Pierce out indefinitely and Lindsay Davenport contemplating retirement, Ai Sugiyama is quickly becoming the most consistent of the older veterans on tour. At the ripe age of thirty-one, she is just one spot away from being back in the top twenty-five. Doubles specialist Meghann Shaughnessy and the hardcourt loving, but slumping Nathalie Dechy could also be threats in this quarter.
Gaz de France Stars Information Online
Official Tournament Website
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Tournament Profile
Main Draw
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