World number one Dinara Safina heads back on court in Paris as the second round of Roland Garros begins on Wednesday.
The most intriguing match of the day is between Russian countrywomen and former top ten stars Nadia Petrova and Maria Sharapova.
OTB’s Can’t Miss Match of the Day
Nadia Petrova (RUS)[11] v. Maria Sharapova (RUS)
Nadia Petrova (© Porsche Tennis Grand Prix)
Nadia Petrova has had a rocky relationship of mixed results in Paris, but it is not because she isn’t comfortable on the surface. Three years ago, Petrova was touted as a title favorite before an injury in practice stopped her after winning titles in Amelia Island, Charleston and Stuttgart.
Now a trio of Roland Garros appearances later, Petrova is fresh off another tough injury. She spent several weeks this summer on the injury list and when I talked to her in Miami (her first tournament back), she was cautious, yet confident about her recovery.
Petrova’s opponent on Tuesday is no stranger to injury layoffs. Sharapova is staging her own Grand Slam comeback return this week in Paris after spending nine months off the circuit with a potentially career-threatening shoulder injury. Her arm survived her opening match—a tough three set battle against Anastasiya Yakimova. But the first round also revealed several cracks in Sharapova’s game. Maria leads Nadia in their head-to-head record 5-1, but they have never faced each other before on clay.
Prediction: Nadia Petrova in 3 sets
The Gossip Column
Although Venus and Serena Williams have competed in the City of Lights for over a decade, they still have travel misadventures like ordinary tourists.
Serena, who owns a home in Paris, invited her sister to join her this year as her roommate, and before the tournament began the sisters took in the sights and sounds of the city. Unfortunately, on a trip to see the majestic Chateau de Versailles, they fell asleep on the train and got lost.
Up Close and Personal with Marion Bartoli
Marion Bartoli (© PHOTOSPORT.COM)
When did you first spend big with your prize money?
Back in 2005, I bought my mum a Louis Vuitton bag and gave my dad a gold pen. I love giving presents. It’s much more fun than receiving them.
Who’s your favourite player on tour?
Elena Dementieva
What is the last thing you do before going to sleep?
I play spider-solitaire! I can’t switch off the computer until I win.
What would be the object you most desire?
A McLaren SLR with 614 horse power. I dream of owning that car. I don’t have my driving licence yet but I love cars. When my career is over I’m going to buy a McLaren!
Read the rest of the interview at the Roland Garros website.
Enter OTB’s Pick the Winner’s Contest
How well do you know tennis? Do you think you can pick the winner of Wednesday’s featured match? Guess correctly and you might be one of the five lucky people chosen to win a free live streaming tournament pass from TennisTV.com!
To enter, simply select your pick for the winner of Wednesday’s match between No. 11 Nadia Petrova and Maria Sharapova. All entries for Wednesday must be received by start of play (11 AM in Paris or 5:00 AM ET in USA). Only one entry per person.
Entry for today’s match has been closed.
I’m not sure who’ll win out of Sharapova and Petrova (though I, like you, am leaning towards Petrova), but it should be a great match either way. Thanks for your extensive coverage, by the way – I really enjoy reading it, and it makes me feel one step closer to Paris.
Thanks, Raphael!