This loss ended Davenport’s comeback dreams prematurely at the Grand Slam where she won her first major title in 1998.

Davenport looked uncomfortable during the match and her timing was clearly off on her forehand side. She struggled to get back into the match after a second rain delay in the opening set, only to lose in straight sets 6-1, 7-6(3).

“I just never felt comfortable out there,” admitted Davenport in her post-match press conference. “And then I was trying so hard to get back in the second, was able to do that, and then played one of the worst games of my career, 5-All.”

During the eleventh game of the second set at 5-5, Davenport hit four double faults, mishitting three of her second serves in a row.

While Davenport was clearly disappointed by her performance today, she resisted any immediate calls for an announcement of her retirement.

“All I know is I have doubles at 2:30 tomorrow,” added Davenport. “That’s about as far as I’m thinking. I think it’s tough to make any kind of decision in a rash moment, and there was no decision made before the tournament, so I don’t think it’s time to make a certain statement now.”

Third seed Svetlana Kuznetsova also lost earlier in the day to Katarina Srebotnik 6-3, 6-7(1), 6-3.

The two former US Open champions were the latest Grand Slam winners to lose at Flushing Meadows this week. Top seed and 2008 Roland Garros champion Ana Ivanovic lost on Thursday to France’s Julie Coin.

Singles competition at the US Open heats up on Friday as sixteen women from the bottom half of the draw bid to reach the fourth round.

Two of the biggest matches of the day will feature Jelena Jankovic vs. Jie Zheng and Marion Bartoli vs. Lindsay Davenport.

Aaress’ Picks for Friday

Jie Zheng (CHN) v. Jelena Jankovic (SRB)[2]
Now that Ana Ivanovic is out, Jelena Jankovic is left bearing her nation’s flag. That’s a tall order for the oft-injured Serbian, who admitted that her endurance was not where it should be after Wednesday’s second round.

Jie Zheng played the best tennis of her career last month at Wimbledon before finally losing to Serena Williams in the semifinals. She has played a few close matches against Jankovic in the past, so there is no reason to expect that Friday’s showdown will be any different.
Prediction: Jie Zheng in three sets.

Lindsay Davenport (USA)[23] v. Marion Bartoli (FRA)[12]
This is where the fun starts for Lindsay Davenport. Her first two wins were not spectacular, and she barely escaped a three set match on Wednesday against Alisa Kleybanova. If she brings that same level to the court on Friday evening, this will be a tough match for her against Marion Bartoli.

Bartoli has not had the best results since reaching the final at Wimbledon in 2007, but her fitness and more agile movement should lead her past Davenport, unless Lindsay finds a new gear of play. Davenport has an ambitious schedule in what could be her final major, as she is also playing doubles with Daniela Hantuchova. All that tennis will catch up with the veteran sooner, rather than later.
Prediction: Marion Bartoli in two sets.

Please go here for Friday’s complete schedule of play.

She Said What?

Julie Coin after beating No. 1 Ana Ivanovic:
“I don’t realize yet that I beat the No. 1 in the world. I don’t realize that I played at the big court. I don’t know how I’m going sleep tonight. I don’t know.”

What Else is Happening in Flushing Meadows?

Ralph Lauren Mobile
Ralph Lauren, the official clothing sponsor of the US Open, has launched a mobile version of its shopping website.

Interview with Virginia Ruano Pascual
The Fed Cup website has posted an interview with Virginia Ruano Pascual about the upcoming Fed Cup by BNP Paribas final between Spain and Russia.

USA Television Listings for Friday

All times are Eastern.

Men’s 2nd/Women’s 3rd - USA - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Men’s 2nd/Women’s 3rd - USA - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Don’t forget to enter On the Baseline’s Pick the Winner’s contest! The entry deadline for Friday’s featured match is 10:00 am ET.

Former world number one and 1998 US Open champion Lindsay Davenport is set to headline the evening session on Wednesday in Arthur Ashe stadium.

Anna Chakvetadze, Daniela Hantuchova, and Maria Kirilenko were among the top players who lost their opening matches during the first two days of play.

Aaress’ Picks for Wednesday

Lindsay Davenport (USA)[23] v. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS)
Can Lindsay Davenport make a deep run at the US Open—even with a bum knee? Anything is possible in New York City and if her opponents keep playing into her strengths, look for Lindsay to make the second week.

Davenport looked rusty in her first round against Aleksandra Wozniak, but the young Canadian failed to mix up her shots against Lindsay’s groundstrokes. Davenport is one of the few women on the Tour who can win without fancy footwork, so unless Kleybanova gets Davenport on the run, she’ll be the American’s latest victim.
Prediction: Lindsay Davenport in 2 sets.

Anne Keothavong (GBR) vs. Francesca Schiavone (ITA)[25]
The next time someone complains to you about the state of American tennis, tell them to look at our neighbors across the Atlantic. The USTA looks like a well-crafted, highly efficient tennis assembly line compared to the Lawn Tennis Association right now.

Keothavong has a lonely existence on the WTA Tour as the only British woman inside the Top 130. She received direct entry into the Open and won her first round match against American Alexa Glatch in straight sets. Francesca Schiavone struggles with consistency, but should be able to get past Britain’s lone female star in two sets.
Prediction: Francesca Schiavone in 2 sets.

Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) vs. Marion Bartoli (FRA)[12]
Age is just another number to Virginia Ruano Pascual. Ruano Pascual, who has won nine Grand Slam doubles titles, is the oldest woman in the competition at the age of thirty-four.

Her opponent in Wednesday’s match, Marion Bartoli, was only eight years old when Ruano Pascual first became a professional. Bartoli’s results this season have been mediocre, yet she hits with enough power to overcome the veteran Spaniard.
Prediction: Marion Bartoli in 2 sets

She Said What?

Ana Ivanovic on what players have impressed her the most since Wimbledon:
“Safina has definitely done a great job, and she’s been playing really well and she has lots of confidence, I think. I think Dementieva also winning Olympics and coming into this week, she also has some confidence.

But, you know, all of the players can be dangerous. Williams sisters, they always play really good here. Yeah, there is a good chance for them.”

What Else is Happening in Flushing Meadows?

Every Player’s Bag Needs a Towel. Make it Special.
Check out the US Open’s official player towels!

Send In Your Questions To Flavia!
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is hosting a Q&A segment with Flavia Pennetta.

USA Television Listings for Wednesday

All times are Eastern.
Tuesday’s Match of the Day - USA - 2:00 am - 4:00 am (taped)
Men’s Opening/Women’s 2nd - USA - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Men’s Opening/Women’s 2nd - USA - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Don’t forget to enter On the Baseline’s Pick the Winner’s contest! The entry deadline for Wednesday’s featured match is 10:00 am ET.

Nine seeded players will compete on Friday, including top seed Ana Ivanovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Serena Williams, and Amelie Mauresmo.

Aaress’ Picks for Friday

(6) Serena Williams vs. (29) Amelie Mauresmo
Amelie Mauresmo’s road to Wimbledon has been filled with bumps and injuries, but the 2006 champion is slowly regaining her old form.

Facing another former world number one Grand Slam champion so early at a tournament is a disadvantage to both women, yet Amelie has been known to rise to the occasion on the grass courts at SW19. Serena is favored to win, but then again, so was Maria Sharapova on Thursday.
Serena Williams in 3 sets

(9) Marion Bartoli vs. Bethanie Mattek
Bethanie Mattek has garnered attention in previous years at Wimbledon because of her eclectic fashion taste, but this year she is letting her tennis do the talking. This is a winnable match for the light-hearted American, but she needs to stay aggressive from the beginning. Bartoli, last year’s finalist, is vulnerable, yet she will not give the match away without a fight.
Marion Bartoli in 3 sets

(18) Nicole Vaidisova vs. Casey Dellacqua
Australian Casey Dellacqua is rapidly ascending the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings and has reached the third round or better at the two previous Slams this season. She will face Nicole Vaidisova on Friday, who is trying to turn her career around after a disappointing six months on Tour in 2008. Vaidisova is now working with David Felgate, a former coach of Tim Henman.
Casey Dellacqua in 3 sets

She Said What?

Lindsay Davenport about why she does not use the word “retirement” any longer:
“Well, because if I say that word, you guys jump all over it, so now I just pretend like I’m going to play through the London Olympics, and then I have no stress.”

What Else is Happening at Wimbledon?

Mauresmo pulls out of Wimbledon doubles
Amelie Mauresmo has pulled out of the doubles event with Svetlana Kuznetsova, citing a left hip strain.

USA Television Schedule

Friday, June 27, 2008
Early Round Day 5 - ESPN2 - 7:00 am - 5:30 pm (LIVE)

*All times are Eastern.

Helmed by No. 2 Jelena Jankovic, the bottom half also includes 2004 champion Maria Sharapova, 1999 winner Lindsay Davenport, and four-time champion Venus Williams.

Venus and Serena Williams are on opposite sides of the draw, potentially leading to an All-Williams championship match. They have not met at Wimbledon since the final in 2003 which Serena won in three sets.

Three first round matches merit close watching during the opening two days of play. Serena Williams, a two-time winner at Wimbledon, is expected to begin her campaign against Kaia Kanepi, a quarterfinalist earlier this month at the French Open.

Defending champion Venus Williams pulled British hopeful and wild card Naomi Cavaday, and should 2006 champion Amelie Mauresmo recover from her thigh injury in time to compete, she will face resurgent American Ashley Harkleroad in the first round.

First Look at the Top Eight Wimbledon Seeds

(1) Ana Ivanovic (First Round: Rossana De Los Rios)
Top seed Ana Ivanovic’s recent accolades include winning her first Grand Slam at Roland Garros, along with taking the No. 1 ranking away from Maria Sharapova, but like many of the other top players, her preparation for Wimbledon did not include any actual matches.

This will be a new experience for Ivanovic, who has never entered a Grand Slam as a top seed or faced the pressure of being expected to win. She has a relatively good draw and should have a clear shot to the quarterfinals, where she could play eighth seed Anna Chakvetadze.
Prediction: Semifinals

(2) Jelena Jankovic (First Round: Olga Savchuk)
The personable Jelena Jankovic is quickly becoming the Tour’s best bridesmaid. She has stood at the Grand Slam altar four times in the semifinals, but has not been able to win just one more round to reach a Championship.

Her personality has brought her more fans than her results of late, and although she is seeded No. 2, this could be her toughest draw at a Grand Slam. If the draw holds, she’ll play defending champion Venus Williams in the quarterfinals, and if she wins that match, her reward may be a semifinal against Maria Sharapova.
Prediction: Runner-up

(3) Maria Sharapova (First Round: Stephanie Foretz)
The biggest question surrounding Maria Sharapova is not whether she can win her fourth Grand Slam title, but will her serve even lead her into the second week of the tournament. She had a disappointing run at the French Open and produced some of her worst serving since suffering a shoulder injury in 2007. I can’t see Sharapova going far on the fast lawns at Wimbledon if she duplicates her Paris statistic of forty-three double faults in just four rounds.

Sharapova is in the toughest quarter of the draw with Elena Dementieva, Dinara Safina, Nadia Petrova, rising star Victoria Azarenka, and experienced veteran Lindsay Davenport.
Prediction: Semifinals

(4) Svetlana Kuznetsova (First Round: Mathilde Johansson)
Calling Kuznetsova’s draw tough might be an understatement. If the seedings hold Kuznetsova will play Alona Bondarenko in the third round, one of the most talented young women rising through the Tour ranks and a player who has beaten Kuznetsova in both of their previous meetings.

If the Russian makes it to the fourth round, she could then play Grand Slam giant-killer Agnieszka Radwanska, followed by Serena Williams in the quarterfinals. Given Kuznetsova’s recent inconsistency and her 6-2, 6-2 loss to Caroline Wozniacki at Eastbourne, she could become the first top player to fall in the first week.
Prediction: Quarterfinals

(5) Elena Dementieva (First Round: Maria Elena Camerin)
Not surprising given the speed of grass and her own serve struggles, Elena Dementieva has never been a major contender at Wimbledon. After looking at her draw, don’t expect that to change this year.

She is in the same tough quarter as Sharapova and could face Lindsay Davenport in the third round. While Dementieva can handily outrun Davenport, Lindsay will have the advantage in the service department. Lindsay’s serve has led her to seven consecutive second week appearances at the Championships, and although she is not yet her old self, Davenport has a legitimate chance at making her streak extend to eight.
Prediction: Fourth round

(6) Serena Williams (First Round: Kaia Kanepi)
Serena Williams could have a tough first round encounter with Kaia Kanepi, but after that, I like her chances of emerging victorious from the top half of the draw. She has a trio of inconsistent top players in her quarter, namely Svetlana Kuznetsova, Amelie Mauresmo, and Marion Bartoli.

Kuznetsova has a draw that will give her nightmares before she heads home, Mauresmo is nursing a thigh injury, and although Bartoli is currently still alive in the draw at Eastbourne, she previously lost three straight first round matches.
Prediction: Champion

(7) Venus Williams (First Round: Naomi Cavaday)
Defending champion Venus Williams is in the tough half of the draw, but she should easily set up a fourth round meeting against Daniela Hantuchova—if Hantuchova’s foot holds up that long. The Slovakian has been off the Tour since April because of a stress fracture in her right heel.

If Hantuchova is fully recovered, she might be able to pressure Venus, but I would expect the best match of the bottom half to come in the quarterfinals between Venus and Jelena Jankovic. Jankovic holds a surprising 4-3 record over the four-time champion and was the last player to defeat Venus at Wimbledon.
Prediction: Quarterfinals

(8) Anna Chakvetadze (First Round: Stephanie Dubois)
If you are looking for a surprise at Wimbledon, keep your eye on Chakvetadze.

The 21-year old Russian has reportedly started working with Carlos Rodriguez and although Rodriquez never coached Justine Henin to a Wimbledon title, he might be able to help Chakvetadze reach the second week for the first time in her career.
Prediction: Quarterfinals

To view a real-time copy of the 2008 Wimbledon draw, please visit the official website.

Bartoli was upset in the second round of the DFS Classic on Wednesday before hinting that she may miss the next Grand Slam.

“It’s been bothering me since before the French Open,” said Bartoli in comments published by the AP.

“I’ve been having treatment but it’s tendinitis, and there is only so much you can do for that. It seems like 2008 doesn’t want me to be in great shape. I am always having something, some illness or injury.”

It has been a disappointing 2008 season for Bartoli who said that she will skip Wimbledon “if it’s not getting better.”

“Missing a Grand Slam, especially Wimbledon, is a huge disappointment,” added the top seed in Birmingham.

After losing to Petra Cetkovska in her opening match 5-7, 6-4, 6-0, Bartoli’s 2008 match record fell to 8-14.

Only eight women’s singles matches were completed on Tuesday at Roland Garros, forcing tournament organizers to plan an ambitious schedule of play for Wednesday.

Weather permitting, players from both sides of the women’s draw will hit the courts on Wednesday, including top seed Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.

Aaress’ Picks for Wednesday

(1) Maria Sharapova vs. Evgeniya Rodina
Although she has described herself in the past as a “cow on ice,” Maria Sharapova’s clay court game has improved with every season. She still has not managed to get sliding down to an art, but she is comfortable at the net and has started using the angles more to her advantage.

Unlike many other Russians, Sharapova feels no pressure when facing her countrywomen, so look for her to stroll into the second round in just two sets.
Maria Sharapova in 2 sets

(2) Ana Ivanovic vs. Lucie Safarova
Lucie Safarova has been known to save some of her best tennis for Grand Slams, so Ivanovic will need to dominate the pace from the start. The second seed struggled in her first round match, but still managed to get past Sofia Arvidsson by avoiding a tiebreak for 6-2, 7-5. Ivanovic may have a few more rounds to get accustomed to the conditions in Paris before running into a seeded player, yet she needs to start projecting the confidence that makes her a favorite for the title.
Ana Ivanovic in 2 sets

(6) Anna Chakvetadze vs. Nuria Llagostera Vives
While the big four–Maria, Ana, Jelena, and Serena–are being touted as title favorites, I like Anna Chakvetadze’s chances of making some noise in Paris. She is in the top half of the draw with Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, but if her fellow Russians tumble, she’ll have a good chance of reaching the semifinals.

Although Vives is ranked almost eighty spots beneath Chakvetadze, both of their previous meetings have been close and gone to three sets.
Anna Chakvetadze in 2 sets

(9) Marion Bartoli vs. Casey Dellacqua
The last Grand Slam was one of the best ten days of Casey Dellacqua’s young career. She thrilled her local fans in Melbourne with a run to the fourth round and since then she has risen to a career high of No. 51.

Casey is the same age as her opponent, Marion Bartoli, although far less experienced. Bartoli has not been able to recapture the form that led her to the Wimbledon final in 2007, yet she has managed to return to the Top 10. If Marion’s wrist has completely healed, she’ll be able to weather Dellacqua’s pounding onslaught. If not, look for Dellacqua to score her first Top 10 upset.
Casey Dellacqua in 3 sets

(25) Nadia Petrova vs. Aravane Rezai
It has been two years since Rezai took Paris by storm with a run to the fourth round, and this year, she has already posted solid results with a runner-up trophy in Auckland and a semifinal finish in Fes. Facing a seed in the first round is hardly an ideal draw at a major, but Nadia Petrova is currently about as inconsistent as they come. Petrova’s already infamous mental game is at an all-time low, and she has only posted six wins in almost as many months this season.
Aravane Rezai in 3 sets

She Said What?

Svetlana Kuznetsova about her disappointment regarding Justine Henin’s retirement:
“What you want me to say? I’m happy she left or I’m not happy I cannot battle her again? (laughter.) Which one you want to hear?

I’m not going to say I’m happy; I’m not going to say I’m sad because I’m not going to play her again. It’s not about that. It’s just about one more great player leaving the game.”

What Else is Happening in Paris?

All About Doubles
The doubles and mixed doubles draws are available at the Roland Garros website.

Sugiyama matches major record
Ai Sugiyama has competed in fifty-six consecutive Grand Slams.

USA Television Schedule

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
First/Second Round - TTC - 5:00 am - 12:00 pm (LIVE)
Early Round Coverage Day #4 - 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 Wednesday’s featured match is 4:00 am ET.

Rain washed out the second half of play on Monday, so on Tuesday the French Open will have a busy schedule of first round matches.

Five members of the Top 10 will compete on Tuesday, including top seed Maria Sharapova.

Aaress’ Picks for Tuesday

(1) Maria Sharapova vs. Evgeniya Rodina
Although she has described herself in the past as a “cow on ice,” Maria Sharapova’s clay court game has improved with every season. She still has not managed to get sliding down to an art, but she is comfortable at the net and has started using the angles more to her advantage.

Unlike many other Russians, Sharapova feels no pressure when facing her countrywomen, so look for her to stroll into the second round in just two sets.
Maria Sharapova in 2 sets

(6) Anna Chakvetadze vs. Nuria Llagostera Vives
While the big four–Maria, Ana, Jelena, and Serena–are being touted as title favorites, I like Anna Chakvetadze’s chances of making some noise in Paris. She is in the top half of the draw with Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, but if her fellow Russians tumble, she’ll have a good chance of reaching the semifinals.

Although Vives is ranked almost eighty spots beneath Chakvetadze, both of their previous meetings have been close and gone to three sets.
Anna Chakvetadze in 2 sets

(9) Marion Bartoli vs. Casey Dellacqua
The last Grand Slam was one of the best ten days of Casey Dellacqua’s young career. She thrilled her hometown fans in Melbourne with a run to the fourth round and since then she has risen to a career high of No. 51.

Casey is the same age as her opponent on Monday, Marion Bartoli, although far less experienced. Bartoli has not been able to recapture the form that led her to the Wimbledon final in 2007, yet she has managed to return to the Top 10. If Marion’s wrist has completely healed, she’ll be able to weather Dellacqua’s pounding onslaught. If not, look for Dellacqua to score her first Top 10 upset.
Casey Dellacqua in 3 sets

She Said What?

Venus Williams about her tough first round match against Tzipora Obziler:
“Sometimes tennis isn’t always won as quick as you want. I think she really played some good tennis.

She made some good shots and fought really hard, fought hard for that second set, and it was just important to close it out in the third.”

What Else is Happening in Paris?

Stosur steps up comeback in Paris
Samantha Stosur is back on the Tour after recovering from Lyme’s disease.

Belgium tries to regroup after losing its 2 stars
Belgium has just one player in the main draw of the French Open, Yanina Wickmayer, who is ranked at No. 98 in the world.

USA Television Schedule

Tuesday, May 27, 2008
First Round - TTC - 5:00 am - 12:00 pm (LIVE)
Early Round Coverage Day #3 - 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 Tuesday’s featured match is 4:00 am ET.

Monday’s play at the 2008 French Open will showcase the skills of two former world number one players, Venus Williams and France’s own Amelie Mauresmo.

Also expected to play on day two at Roland Garros are third seed Jelena Jankovic, sixth seed Anna Chakvetadze, and ninth seed Marion Bartoli.

Aaress’ Picks for Monday

(3) Jelena Jankovic vs. Monica Niculescu
Now that Justine Henin is headed for a life of peace and quiet in Monte Carlo, Jelena Jankovic remains the best mover in women’s tennis. Her prowess on clay was evident two weeks ago in Rome where she defended her title after dropping just one set. Fortunately, she took a few days off since leaving Italy, which means that she might last two weeks in Paris without taking more than her customary injury timeouts.

Monica Niculescu is playing in her first French Open and only second major tournament, but the Romanian No. 3 has won fifteen ITF circuit singles titles.
Jelena Jankovic in 2 sets

(6) Anna Chakvetadze vs. Nuria Llagostera Vives
While the big four–Maria, Ana, Jelena, and Serena–are being touted as title favorites, I like Anna Chakvetadze’s chances of making some noise in Paris. She is in the top half of the draw with Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, but if her fellow Russians tumble, she’ll have a good chance of reaching the semifinals.

Although Vives is ranked almost eighty spots beneath Chakvetadze, both of their previous meetings have been close and gone to three sets.
Anna Chakvetadze in 2 sets

(9) Marion Bartoli vs. Casey Dellacqua
The last Grand Slam was one of the best ten days of Casey Dellacqua’s young career. She thrilled her hometown fans in Melbourne with a run to the fourth round and since then she has risen to a career high of No. 51.

Casey is the same age as her opponent on Monday, Marion Bartoli, although far less experienced. Bartoli has not been able to recapture the form that led her to the Wimbledon final in 2007, yet she has managed to return to the Top 10. If Marion’s wrist has completely healed, she’ll be able to weather Dellacqua’s pounding onslaught. If not, look for Dellacqua to score her first Top 10 upset.
Casey Dellacqua in 3 sets

She Said What?

Ana Ivanovic on her need for rest during the season:
“I think it’s important through the year to get enough time also for rest and recovery, and then prepare again.

And, you know, there is–after Miami I had some break, and after Wimbledon again. So for me, personally, it’s very important. And, yeah, I think it’s good to try to work out the best for you.”

What Else is Happening in Paris?

Results aren’t matching Vaidisova’s irrefutable talent
Nicole Vaidisova has lost six straight matches.

Daily Live Updates
Don’t miss Drew Lilley’s live blogging at the official Roland Garros website.

USA Television Schedule

Monday, May 26, 2008
First Round - TTC - 5:00 am - 3:00 pm (LIVE)
All times are Eastern.

Don’t forget to enter On the Baseline’s Pick the Winner’s contest! The entry deadline for Monday’s featured match is 4:00 am ET.

Anna Chakvetadze, Marion Bartoli, Elena Dementieva, and Nicole Vaidisova have been added to the already impressive player list.

The 2008 Bausch & Lomb Championships is compiling a competitive field of returning champions, proven players, and those players new to Amelia Island.

“Once again we are delivering a world class player field,” said tournament director, John Arrix.

“These four players are a great representation of the new stars of the game. When you add these to the previously announced Davenport, Williams and Golovin, fans can be assured the ’08 draw will be one of the strongest fields played to date on the 2008 Tour calendar.”

As a debut Bausch & Lomb Championships player and as one of the most talented young stars on the Tour, 20-year old, Anna Chakvetadze enters the Bausch & Lomb Championships with seven Sony Ericsson WTA tour singes titles including a recent win this year at Paris.

Currently No. 9 in the world, Frenchwoman, Marion Bartoli, brings three Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles titles to the court in her quest to win the Bausch & Lomb Championships trophy. In 2007, Bartoli was a two-time runner-up at Prague and Wimbledon where she celebrated her first major final experience. Displaying a two-handed swing on both sides, Marion Bartoli enters the 2008 Bausch & Lomb Championships for a fourth bid.

As the fourth committed Bausch & Lomb Championships titlist, No. 10 in the world, Elena Dementieva will return to Amelia Island for the sixth time. She captured the 2003 Bausch & Lomb Championships title by defeating Lindsay Davenport in three sets. Dementieva last played the Bausch & Lomb Championships the year following her title confirmation in 2004.

Dementieva won her ninth career title on Sunday by defeating world No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships final.

From Prague, Nicole Vaidisova, No. 14 in the world, has demonstrated a promising start to the 2008 Tour season with a semifinal finish at Sydney and a quarterfinal run at Gold Coast. In 2007, Vaidisova saw her third straight Top 20 finish. Owning six Sony Ericsson WTA Tour titles, Vaidisova makes her second Bausch & Lomb Championships appearance.

The four newly committed players will join defending champion, Tatiana Golovin, 2002 former champion Venus Williams and 2004 champion Lindsay Davenport during the week of April 7 – 13 as the 2008 Bausch & Lomb Championships returns to the oceanfront resort of Amelia Island Plantation.

For a consecutive 29th year, fans are guaranteed a week of world class tennis and exciting action both on and off the courts.

To read more information about the Bausch and Lomb Championships, please visit www.blchamps.com.