With only two weeks between the end of Roland Garros and the beginning of Wimbledon, the International Women’s Open (previously known as the Hastings Direct International Championships) traditionally garners a stellar field of top players, eager to find their feet on Britain’s grass courts before taking up residency at SW19.
This year’s field is led by world number one and last year’s winner Justine Henin, defending Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo, Nadia Petrova, and Elena Dementieva.
Glaringly absent from the draw at Eastbourne and this week’s other tournament, the Ordina Open, are both Williams sisters, who will be heading to Wimbledon without any match-time on grass.
Seeded Players
1. Justine Henin
2. Amelie Mauresmo
3. Nadia Petrova
4. Elena Dementieva
5. Nicole Vaidisova
6. Shahar Peer
7. Na Li (withdrew with rib injury)
8. Marion Bartoli
9. Sybille Bammer
A Quick Look at the Draw
Top Quarter
One major trophy is missing from Justine Henin’s collection of six French Open (4), Australian Open (1) and US Open (1) trophies, and the 2004 Olympic gold medal. She has come heartbreakingly close to raising the Rosewater Dish twice before at Wimbledon, but she’s eager to prove that she can become the first player since Serena Williams in 2002 to win back-to-back Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles.
A solid showing at Eastbourne will play a big part in Henin’s plans, and even though grass is not her best surface, I like her chances of reaching the final on Saturday.
Second Quarter
Britain’s wild-card Melanie South has a chance to make a name for herself at home as the second quarter of the draw may be the most vulnerable. She will be in for a tough match against Alicia Molik in the first round, but Molik is far from invincible right now, especially playing singles. Elena Dementieva is the highest seed in this quarter followed by Marion Bartoli.
Third Quarter
Nadia Petrova’s goals of finally winning a Grand Slam were put on the back-burner when she lost in the first round of Roland Garros for the second straight year, however this year it at least looks like she’ll have a chance to compete at Wimbledon. She has not played since injuring her back in Paris, and even though grass is not her best surface, she has a draw that looks like a straight road to the semifinals. Other players in the third quarter to watch include Sybille Bammer and Lucie Safarova.
Bottom Quarter
The only good thing about Amelie Mauresmo’s draw is that Lucie Safarova is safely ensconsed in the third quarter, meaning that the earliest they could meet is the quarterfinals. After losing in both Grand Slams of the season to the young Czech, Mauresmo will not be too eager to see her this close to Wimbledon.
Mara Santangelo’s best surface is not grass, however with Mauresmo coming off of a thigh injury, Santangelo may be able to score an upset. If Mauresmo does reach the quarterfinals, she may be headed for a difficult match against Israel’s Shahar Peer.
International Women’s Open Links
Official Website
Main Draw
Ticket Information
USA Television Listings
