French Open Preview: Day Five
Posted by Aaress Lawless on May 28, 2008 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
After struggling to a hard fought win on Wednesday against Evgeniya Rodina, top seed and world No. 1 Maria Sharapova is headed right back on court Thursday for her second round match against Bethanie Mattek.
Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Venus Williams, and Amelie Mauresmo are also scheduled to play on day five at Roland Garros.
Aaress’ Picks for Thursday
(1) Maria Sharapova vs. Bethanie Mattek
Maria Sharapova looked every bit the “cow on ice” Wednesday before she pulled herself together for a close 8-6 third set victory. No doubt Maria’s father Yuri and coach Michael Joyce will have her drilling her serve on a practice court because the top seed hardly needs the distinction of being the biggest double-faulter on both sides of the draw. Bethanie Mattek has reached the second round of Roland Garros for the first time in her career, but I expect Sharapova to come out wielding as she attempts to redeem herself for her previous performance.
Maria Sharapova in 2 sets
(4) Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Vania King
Kuznetsova is my pick to emerge from the top half of the draw next week, especially considering Maria Sharapova’s shaky start. Not only do I like Kuznetsova’s chances, but another person with a better eye for greatness agrees. When asked whom she thought would win this year’s tournament, three-time champion Justine Henin tapped Kuznetsova. Unfortunately, like many of her American countrywomen, Vania King struggles on clay and will not be able to take more than a few games from Kuznetsova.
Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2 sets
(1) Cara Black/Liezel Huber vs. Klaudia Jans/Mervana Jugic-Salkic
Wednesday signals the start of the doubles draw, which is led this year by top seeds Cara Black and Liezel Huber. The No. 1 duo dominated in 2007 with two Grand Slams and ten overall titles, and they have already scored three titles together in 2008. Black and Huber’s goal of a French Open title is achievable, but they’ll have to battle a field full of challenging pairs including last year’s winners Alicia Molik and Mara Santangelo.
Black and Huber in 2 sets
She Said What?
Maria Sharapova about the conditions in Paris:
“Apart from eating and breathing the sand, it was great.”
“It’s dry and you’ve got sand blowing in your face. So you think it’s a hard court, but then you feel like you’re in a desert.”
What Else is Happening in Paris?
Interview with Mary Pierce
France’s Mary Pierce still hopes to stage a comeback.
USA Television Schedule
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Second Round - TTC - 5:00 am - 12:00 pm (LIVE)
Early Round Coverage Day #5 - ESPN2 - 12:00 pm - 6:30 pm (LIVE)
All times are Eastern.
Don’t forget to enter On the Baseline’s Pick the Winner’s contest! The entry deadline for Thursday’s featured match is 4:00 am ET.
If you enjoyed this tennis article, please sign up for a free subscription!
Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.