Strangely enough, Maria Sharapova is also a favorite on clay. The Russian’s victory in Rome two weeks ago demonstrates that she can power her way to a title on this surface. As such, Sharapova deserves to be in the column of players to beware of.

More so than previous years, there has been no standout on the red clay this season. Julia Goerges surprised world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the final in Stuttgart. Petra Kvitova made her debut into the top ten with her victory in Madrid, stunning world number four Victoria Azarenka.

Therefore, any one residing in the vicinity of the ten best from world number three Vera Zvonareva to Azarenka to defending champion Francesca Schiavone to Kvitova has a fair shot at hoisting the title. The French Open draw is revealed. Here’s an analysis of the key match-ups.

Wozniacki’s first round opponent is Kimiko Date-Krumm. The Japanese is know for pulling upsets at majors. Last year, she shocked Dinara Safina in the same round. As a result, Wozniacki will have no time to relax early on.

Another challenging encounter for the world number one could come in the third round where she may face 2009 French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova. Wozniacki’s progression to the final could be further complicated by 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur or Goerges in the quarterfinals and either Jelena Jankovic, Zvonareva, or Schiavone in the semifinals.

A sole semifinal showing in Brussels is Zvonareva’s best performance on clay this year. The Russian could stumble in the third round if she clashes with compatriot Nadia Petrova or in the fourth round where countrywoman Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova could offer tremendous resistance.

Also in the top half of the draw, Schiavone and Jankovic could collide in the round of 16. Either player could battle Zvonareva in the quarterfinals.

Azarenka and Sharapova are in the bottom section of the draw. Despite being in a winning position in Rome, Azarenka had to retire in the quarterfinals against Sharapova due to a right elbow injury. Whether Azarenka has fully recovered from that problem will determine how well she performs in Paris. Azarenka and Sharapova could meet in the semifinals.

Prior to that, Azarenka may need to bypass someone also with injury issues in the fourth round, 2008 French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic.

Yet, Azarenka’s tallest hurdle may be Kvitova in the quarterfinals which would be a rematch of the Madrid Open final. As a newcomer to the top ten, Kvitova is playing with the least pressure which makes her even more dangerous.

But, if the draw holds, Kvitova and Na Li will duel in the round of 16. With two semifinals placements, Li is a force on this surface.

Before a possible semifinal with Kvitova or Azarenka, Sharapova could have her hands full in the fourth round against Yanina Wickmayer or Agnieszka Radwanska. In addition, ahead in the quarterfinals for Sharapova could be Andrea Petkovic or Clijsters.

Speaking of Clijsters, if the Belgian is able to find her clay feet in the initial two rounds, Maria Kirilenko would be a huge test in the third round or Petkovic in the fourth round.

In conclusion, it’s truly a tossup as to which player will emerge as the conqueror at Roland Garros. If Wozniacki wants to live up to her ranking and end her drought at the majors, she will have to stray from her comfort zone and rely more on offense rather than defense.

Sharapova and Kvitova with their titles on clay have shown that big hitters who are not necessarily graceful on this surface can overpower their rivals come away with the big prize.

With the unpredictability in the ladies’ game, it would not be surprising to see Clijsters carry the French Open despite no real play on clay for five years. The drama unfolds in a less than a day.

In the top half of the draw, world number one Wozniacki coasted into the round of 16.   Despite difficult challenges from Gisela Dulko and Dominika Cibulkova, the Dane has yet to drop a set.  Wozniacki will battle Latvian talent 20 year old Anastasija Sevastova  who stunned Yanina Wickmayer in the second round.

On the other hand, Henin, a finalist last year, was dismissed in the third round by Svetlana Kuznetsova.  The 2009 French Open champion who appears to be fitter than ever will face reigning French Open victor Francesca Schiavone in the fourth round.  The latter needed three sets in each of her first two rounds.

There will be no Williams hoisting the prize this year.  Venus was forced to retire one game into her third round match with Andrea Petkovic due to a pelvic muscle injury.  Consequently, Petkovic will clash with Maria Sharapova in the round of 16. Sharapova scraped by Julia Goerges in the previous round.  With Sharapova’s serve a continual sore spot, Petkovic has a golden opportunity to reach her first quarterfinal at a major.

Both Li Na and Victoria Azarenka have been unforgiving thus far with straight sets victories to get to the round of 16.  These two will now collide for a place in the quarterfinals.

In the bottom half of the draw, two big names are absent.  In the second round, Jelena Jankovic, the seventh seed, was ousted by Shuai Peng.  With a fourth round showing, this is Peng’s best performance at a major to date. The Chinese woman battles Agnieszka Radwanska next.  Radwanska overcame a tough first round tussle with Kimiko Date-Krumm.  For Radwanska and Peng, this will be a rematch of their 2010 U.S. Open second round where the latter was the winner.

The second player to make a shocking exit in that section was Samantha Stosur.  The Aussie who appeared unstoppable in her first two rounds was taken out by Petra Kvitova.  Kvitova will subsequently compete against Flavia Pennetta for a slot in the quarterfinals.

Despite being tested, world number two Vera Zvonareva remains in the hunt for her first major.  In the round of 16, Zvonareva will play veteran Iveta Benesova who downed teenager Anastasia Pavlyuchenckova in the prior round.

After serving a bagel to former world number one Dinara Safina, Clijsters sailed through her second round encounter.  In the third round, Clijsters overcame resistance from Alize Cornet, pulling out a two sets win despite 13 winners and 41 errors.  In the round of 16, Clijsters should be back in cruise control as she squares off against Ekaterina Makarova who terminated Ana Ivanovic’s Australian Open hopes in the first round.

In spite of the mentioned third round lull, Clijsters is the favorite.  Wozniacki is a certain contender and has a good chance of seizing the big prize.  Two other candidates to strongly consider as possible trophy holders are Kuznetsova and Azarenka.  The dispute for the quarterfinal spots start tonight.

With Serena Williams out of the running, one established truism at this year’s U.S. Open was that the list of potential champions had expanded.  Yet, Caroline Wozniacki’s form the first three rounds is giving many room for pause as she is invariably validating her top billing.  With the initial week of competition concluded, here’s a recapitulation of the event thus far and a peak at what’s ahead.

Wozniacki has permitted her opponents only three games on her way to booking her spot into the round of 16.  Although Maria Sharapova needed three sets in the first round against Jarmila Groth, since then she has also been stingy. Sharapova allowed Beatrice Capra, the 18 year old American who upended 18th seed Aravane Rezai, just one game in their third round match.  As a result, the much anticipated  fourth round match between Sharapova and Wozniacki will take place on Monday.

After scraping by to reach the third round, Jelena Jankovic, the 4th seed, had her progress halted by Kaia Kanepi, the 31st seed.  Therefore, for Jankovic, the disappointment at the majors go on.  Kanepi will face Yanina Wickmayer, the 15th seed and 2009 U.S. Open semifinalist, in the round of 16.

Vera Zvonareva, the 7th seed, has been keeping a low profile while calmly taking care of business.  Without dropping a set, Zvonareva is now in the fourth round where she will battle Andrea Petkovic.  Zvonareva is clearly the favorite in that clash and with Jankovic ousted, she has a great chance to earn a berth in the semifinals.

Na Li, the 8th seed, and Agnieszka Radwanska, the 9th seed, were booted in the first and second round respectively.  With Li sent packing, Dominika Cibulkova was the beneficiary.  Cibulkova is alive for the first time in the fourth round at the U.S. Open and will face Svetlana Kuznetsova.  Since falling under the tutelage of Amelie Mauresmo’s former coach, Kuznetsova has rediscovered the road to success.  Kuznetsova should have no trouble punching her ticket to the quarterfinals for a date with either Sharapova or Wozniacki.

In the bottom half of the draw, Melanie Oudin, last year’s American darling, was bounced in the second round.  Franscesca Schiavone, the 6th seed  and reigning French Open champion, has finally found her game on hardcourt.  The Italian heads to the round of 16 having yet to surrender a set.  Schiavone’s next obstacle will be 19 year old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.  The Russian’s third round showdown with one of the favorites for the title Victoria Azarenka never came to fruition.  In her second round match, Azarenka collapsed and was forced to retire.  Initially, the problem was ascribed to the scorching temperatures.  Later on, the news was released that Azarenka had suffered a mild concussion prior to taking the court which was the culprit for her abrupt egress.  With Pavlyuchenkova dominant on hardcourt this season, it will be fascinating to see whether teenage fearlessness or experience wins out.

Sam Stosur, the French Open finalist and 5th seed, seems to have regained the shape which led to her spectacular run in Paris.  In the fourth round, Stosur will duke it out with Elena Dementieva who is always a tough competitor.  The two last met a year ago and Dementieva has a 4-1 advantage in their head to head. Without question, this will be an intriguing contest.

Although Venus Williams has prevailed in straight sets, considering the caliber of her three opponents, there’s room for improvement.  Venus’ subsequent test will be Shahar Peer.  With the knee still an issue, despite a 5-0 record against Peer, Williams will have to bring her A game if she plans to move on to the next stage.  As a 2007 quarterfinalist at this venue, Peer knows what success tastes like and an injured Williams presents a great opening.

Ana Ivanovic is going through a revival this summer and her fortunes have extended to this tournament. Ivanovic has equaled her best results in New York which was a fourth round placement in 2007.  Ivanovic will clash with Kim Clijsters in the round of 16.  Although Clijsters has carried her encounters in two sets, she has shown moments of vulnerability.  These two had a semifinal encounter in Cincinnati cut short by Ivanovic’s foot injury.  Thus, for Ivanovic, this will be a veritable measure of where her game is while for Clijsters a chance to further distinguish herself from her peers in her section.

In the top half of the draw, with Wozniacki and Sharapova unmerciful towards their rivals, one has to think that whoever wins that encounter will be the finalist.  In the bottom section, as a two time and defending champion, Clijsters has a slender edge as a top choice.  However, with Stosur’s and Schiavone’s results at the French Open and the fact they are playing well, they cannot be overlooked.  Moreover, Venus as a holder of seven majors once into the second week raises her level.  In her sister’s absence, there’s additional pressure for Venus to be flag bearer for the Williams clan, the snag could be her knee.  Still, the surprise semifinalist out of that region could be Pavlyuchenkova.  The teenager is sizzling on hardcourt this year and has beaten Venus twice in her budding career.  Therefore, a Clijsters-Pavlyuchenkova semifinal is a concrete possibility.

With the biggest title of her career at the Rogers Cup earlier this week, Wozniacki heads into New York with a wealth of confidence.  But, being the top seed at a major is an unfamiliar status for the Dane, how she handles the pressure will be key.  Wozniacki may need every ounce of mental fortitude to get through the round of 16 where 2007 U.S. Open winner Sharapova will be her likely adversary.  In Cincinnati, Sharapova suffered a foot injury.  If Sharapova is at full capacity, Wozniacki could find her claim to her first major postponed another year.

After a difficult few months whereby her ranking dropped outside the top 10, Kuznetsova’s game appears to be clicking again as evidenced by a recent title in San Diego.  As a potential quarterfinal opponent for Sharapova or Wozniacki, the 2004 U.S. Open champion is someone to keep an eye on in the top half of the draw.

The same applies for 2010 Australian Open semifinalist Na Li who will be searching to go one step further at the U.S. Open.  For that to happen, Li may have to knock out Kuznetsova in the round of 16 and stop either Sharapova or Wozniacki in the quarterfinals.  Also, Maria Kirilenko and Aravane Rezai are two dangerous competitors who may prevent any of these players from advancing to the quarterfinals.

In the bottom part of the top half of the draw, if the script follows the seeding, Vera Zvonareva and Jankovic will face off in the quarterfinals.  Lately though, Jankovic has been plagued by a myriad of injuries resulting in her downfall in the early rounds at the warm-up events.  Thus, the Serbian could be ousted in the primary stages by 2009 U.S. Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer or 2010 Wimbledon quarterfinalist Kaia Kanepi.

Being a Wimbledon finalist in Zvonareva’s case could be a blessing or a curse.  In light of that experience, the Russian should have the belief to foil any potential upset in the round of 16 by rivals such as Nadia Petrova or Agnieszka Radwanska. Conversely, Zvonareva’s desire to erase that disappointment could lead to additional pressure and open the door for her counterparts.

If the results of the recent tournaments are any indication, it will be a Wozniacki versus Zvonareva semifinal or an all Russian affair, Zvonareva versus Sharapova.  Since Wozniacki defeated Zvonareva in Montreal, the Dane would have the edge.  If it comes down to a test of wills between Sharapova and Zvonareva, the former would have the upper hand.

The outcome of the bottom half of the draw hinges on the health of Clijsters’ hip.  With her come from behind victory in the Cincinnati final, Clijsters demonstrated she was ready to capture consecutive U.S. Open titles.  But since Montreal, Clijsters’ dream is in doubt because of the hip issue.  If Clijsters hip is at 100%, she should sail into the quarterfinals.

Sam Stosur, the fifth seed, is a possible quarterfinal match-up for Clijsters.  Yet, the French Open finalist’s results have been poor the last few months.  Therefore, with Alisa Kleybanova, Elena Vesnina or Dementieva as potential challengers in the beginning rounds, Stosur may be sent packing sooner than later.  If she makes it through, Dementieva is equipped with the game which can trouble Clijsters in the quarterfinals.

French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, the sixth seed, has had a tough time translating her clay success to the hardcourt.  On the other hand, with a semifinal showing at the Rogers Cup and the Stanford title under her belt, Azarenka is peaking at the right moment.  Thus, in a round of 16 meeting between these two, Azarenka would be the favorite.  Still, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is another name to ponder in that section since the Russian has the best record on hardcourt to date.  A projected third round rival for Azarenka, Pavlyuchenkova has put in the work which could get her to the quarterfinals or beyond.

Venus, the third seed, has not seen any action since July because of a knee injury.  Despite excelling on hardcourt earlier this year, Venus’ lack of play recently will be a factor.  In the third round, Venus could collide with Tsvetana Pironkova who defeated her in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon while Shahar Peer or Flavia Pennetta loom in the round of 16.   As a result, the prospect of Venus ending her nine year title drought at the U.S. Open does seem bleak.  In fact, Clijsters or Dementieva moving on to the semifinals against either Azarenka or Pavlyuchenkova rather than a Clijsters-Venus semifinal appears a better deduction on that side of the draw.

In conclusion, a back to back Wozniacki versus Clijsters final is not out of the question.  However, Sharapova, Azarenka and Dementieva also seem to have one hand on the trophy.  Consequently, it’s safe to surmise that within this lot lies the ultimate proprietor.  Although, it’s difficult to picture exactly who it may be at this point.

Top seed Serena Williams has simply run through her opponents. Likewise, Sharapova has had little difficulty getting to this stage, sending her adversaries home in straight sets.  Serena and Sharapova have played seven times with the former winning five of those meetings.  Curiously, since the 2004 championship, the two have never battled on grass.  In essence, this will be their rematch.  A significant factor will be how well Sharapova serves.  If the Russian does well in that department, Serena could be in trouble.

Na Li and Agniezska Radwanska who face each other in the fourth round have yet to drop a set in getting this far.  Radwanska holds a 2-1 record against Li and both victories have been on grass.  But for both Li and Radwanska, the quarterfinals will be a tough ask with either Sharapova or Serena as a rival.

A definite stunner was the dismissal of French Open finalist Samantha Stosur in the first round by Kaia Kanepi.  Previously ranked as high as 18 in 2009, Kanepi’s placement dipped to 80.  After ousting another seed Alexandra Dulgheru in the third round, the talented Estonian is in the round of 16 .  Another surprise is Kanepi’s opponent in the fourth round, Klara Zakopalova.  The 28 year old had not gone pass the third round at a major previously.  Zakopalova advanced by bouncing 18th seed Aravane Rezai in the second round and trouncing 10th seed Flavia Pennetta in the third.

Caroline Wozniacki, the third seed, has been splendid on grass as she attempts to better her fourth round result from last year.  Jie Zheng, the 23rd seed, and Victoria Azarenka, the 14th seed, fell victim to Petra Kvitova in the second and third round respectively. Thus, Wozniacki takes on Kvitova in the round of 16.  The Dane carried their prior two matches.  Furthermore, with Kanepi or Zakopalova as a quarterfinal match-up, Wozniacki truly has a green light to the semifinals.

This was a disastrous week for the French Open winners.  The reigning champion Francesca Schiavone went out in the first round.  Last year’s title holder and 19th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova crashed out in the second round.  Ana Ivanovic, the 2008 victor, bowed out in the first round.  Hence, Ivanovic’s ranking of 45 will continue to head toward the cellar.

Focusing on the bottom half of the draw, Clijsters has shown no mercy to her competitors each of the first three rounds.  Although Henin has gone through in two sets, at times, there have been rough patches.  Not unusual considering her third round opponent was Nadia Petrova.  Neither Clijsters nor Henin has been a Wimbledon champion.  While Henin was a finalist in 2001 and 2006, Wimbledon is the only major Clijsters has yet to reach the final.  Despite a tie record of 12 a piece, since their return, Clijsters has prevailed in both of their matches. As these two clash in the fourth round, someone’s dream of the title will be postponed for another season.

Injuries have been an issue for Vera Zvonareva the last year or so.  The Russian has been finding her form and is now in the round of 16 where she battles Jelena Jankovic.  Wimbledon is the sole major where Jankovic has not gone beyond the fourth round.  Both Jankovic and Zvonareva will be seeking their initial quarterfinal berth at this venue.  Although Jankovic leads their head to head 6-5, Zvonareva has won the last two.

Another face new to the second week at a major is Tsvetana Pironkova.  The 23 year old Bulgarian took out Vera Dushevina, who booted Schiavone, in the second round.  Marion Bartoli, the 2007 runner up, received a walkover in the second round and had straight sets triumphs in the others.  Bartoli contends with Pironkova in the round of 16 against whom she has a 3-0 record.  So, Pironkova’s dream run may be at its end since Bartoli is unlikely to falter.

Jarmila Groth is in the fourth round for the second straight major.  The Aussie defeated 33rd seed Melanie Oudin in the second round.  In the round of 16, Groth has five time titlist and three time finalist Venus Williams on the other side.  Needless to say, it will be a tall order for the Aussie.  Venus has been in her usual unbeatable form on grass this week.  In the quarterfinals, Venus will probably see Bartoli which would be a rematch of the 2007 final.  With either Jankovic, Clijsters or Henin in the semifinal round, if Venus progresses she will have to call on all her grass expertise if she is to reach her ninth Wimbledon final.

The table has been set with plenty for the eyes to feast on and the brain to ponder.  An all Williams final could be in the cards, but, there are many capable spoilers. Whether that role will be filled by Sharapova, Wozniacki, Clijsters, Henin or Jankovic will be revealed in a few days.

In the finals of Aegon International, the ultimate warm-up tournament before Wimbledon, Ekaterina Makarova fought off an injured Victoria Azarenka 7-6,6-4 to grab her maiden WTA title and become the first qualifier to seize the trophy.

Ranked 100th in the world, Makarova has been in top shape the entire week.  The Russian took care of 6th seed Flavia Pennetta in the first round and dismissed compatriot and 2008 finalist Nadia Petrova in the second round.  Then, Makarova booted countrywoman Svetlana Kuznetsova in the quarterfinals and upset French Open finalist Samantha Stosur in the semifinals.  Makarova continued her splendid performance by opening the first set with a comfortable game.  Subsequently, with a forehand up the line winner and an error by Azarenka, Makarova arrived at double break point.  With a forehand return winner, Makarova gained the break.  Later, despite a tough game where she dealt with a break point, Makarova extended her lead to 3-0.  With both knees strapped due to tendonitis, Azarenka continued to battle producing high quality tennis to remain one break behind.  With a backhand down the line winner, Azarenka had her second break chance.  However, using her lefty serve to her advantage, Makarova extricated  herself from trouble and closed the game with a backhand volley winner for 5-2.  But serving for the first set at 5-4, Makarova netted a backhand to hand Azarenka a break point.  When a second straight backhand crosscourt went array, Azarenka gained the break.  After Makarova fought off two break points to guard serve and Azarenka held at love, the set moved to a tiebreaker.  With a forehand crosscourt winner, Makarova obtained the mini-break early on.  Further on, with an error by Azarenka, Makarova stretched her lead to 5-1.  Although Azarenka narrowed the gap to 6-5, Makarova’s luck held as Azarenka misfired with the forehand as the ball skidded off the line which terminated the set.

Playing through the pain, Azarenka maintained serve readily her first few times out in the second set.  Then at 2 all, Azarenka double faulted to gift Makarova a break point.  Makarova capitalized when Azarenka’s forehand sailed long.  Still, by forcing two mistakes from Makarova and with a forehand up the line winner, Azarenka promptly had triple break point.  By placing her serve well, Makarova leveled the game at deuce.  Yet, the Russian had to wipe out a fourth break point before consolidating for 4-2.  Unwilling to surrender, Azarenka kept striking winners and guarding serve with relative ease.  Thus, with a forehand winner, Azarenka arrived at double break point.  But, once again the Belarusian was turned away by Makarova who advanced to 5-3.  After Azarenka had a love game, two miscues placed Makarova at double championship point.  With an overhead winner, Makarova ended the match and captured the championship.

A former world 35, with the victory, Makarova’s ranking will move into the seventies. The Russian did not drop a set on her way to the title.  In disbelief after her triumph, Makarova admitted that the key this week was having “the best coach and perhaps [being] a little lucky”.

Azarenka also has a lot of positives to build on from this event. Since reaching the finals in February in Dubai, the Belarusian has struggled with injuries with early round exits at her last five competitions including the French Open.  As a result, Azarenka has dipped to 15 in the rankings.  This week, with wins over the 2008 champion Agnieszka Radwanska, the 2005 victor Kim Clijsters in the quarterfinals and Marion Bartoli in the semifinals, Azarenka has regained some of her form heading into Wimbledon.  But, with tendonitis affecting both knees, Azarenka will have a tough time making a deep run at the All England Club..

The sun has set on a the first week at the French Open.  As usual there were upsets, many of them expected.  However, Serena Williams and Justine Henin, two pre-tournament  favorites, have not disappointed.  As such, the much touted quarterfinal encounter between these rivals is one round away.  Here is a synopsis of the main developments of the initial days.

A bunch of big names took a tumble in the bottom section of the draw.  Leading the pack was Svetlana Kuznetsova, the defending champion.  After a miserable tune-up, Kuznetsova looked every bit the champion in the first round.  Moreover, with her back against the wall in the second round, Kuznetsova salvaged four match points against Andrea Petkovic to advance.  But, by the third round, Kuznetsova had utilized all her life lines.  She was taken down in three sets by Maria Kirilenko.

Victoria Azarenka, the 9th seed, has had a tough year.  The 2009 Sony Ericsson champ was schooled by Gisela Dulko, exiting in the first round.  But, in the next round, Dulko was herself stunned by South African qualifier Channelle Scheepers.  Scheepers reached the fourth round where she was stopped by Elena Dementieva.  Another surprise was Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, the winner in Rome, also going out in the first round.

As the newly re-minted number two and a finalist in Madrid, expectations were high that Venus Williams would at least make the semifinals.  In the first three rounds, Venus forged a statement not only with her attire, but with her play by bouncing her adversaries in straight sets.  Yet, in the round of 16, Venus’ game went through a transformation.  Although this was their first meeting on clay, Venus had a  4-0 record against Nadia Petrova.  Still, Petrova, a 2005 semifinalist, pulled off a straight sets victory.  As such, for the fourth consecutive year, Venus was booted prior to the quarterfinals.

A combination of rain and obscurity resulted in a few matches being played over two days. When Aravane Rezai and Petrova resumed their third round with the third set leveled at 7, the French crowd was disenchanted as Petrova walked away with the win.  Later that day, France’s last hope, Marion Bartoli, in the top half of the draw, was eliminated in the fourth round by Shahar Peer.

After fighting through Aleksandra Wozniak in the third round and an easy fourth round win, 2004 finalist Dementieva is unquestionably a contender for the finals.  Caroline Wozniacki, the third seed, is another.  Following two uncomplicated rounds, Wozniacki was severely tested by Alexandra Dulgheru and still captured her third match in straight sets. Then, in the round of 16, warrior Wozniacki bested Flavia Pennetta in a three hour duel to move on to her first quarterfinal in Paris.  Bothered by an ankle injury, as Wozniacki faces scrappy Fransceca Schiavone, who booted Kirilenko, she may need to duplicated her last performance

Turning to the top half of the draw, Serena cruised through her first and second round.  In the third round, a bout of dizziness almost derailed the world number one.  However, Serena stuck with it and defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.  In the fourth round, Serena battles Peer.  If Serena carries the match, she will meet either Samantha Stosur, a 2009 semifinalist, or Henin.

Although Henin has won her first two encounters in two sets, they were not calisthenics.  Despite staring down Maria Sharapova in the third round, for Henin, there is obvious room for improvement.  Therefore, Stosur who lost to Henin in Stuttgart recently may prove a hard kill.

Dinara Safina, a finalist the last two years, was halted in the first round by Kimiko Date-Krumm.  The 39 year old overcame injury and a colossal third set deficit to steal the victory from the former world number one.  By the next round, Date-Krumm’s tank was empty; she was given her pink slip by Jarmila Groth.  Groth continued to build on her success, she is in the round of 16 for the first time at a  major.  Groth will take on another newcomer to that stage Yaroslva Shvedova.  Subsequent to Aleysa Kleybanova thumping Ana Ivanovic in the second round, Shvedova surprised her in the third round. The prior round, 22 year old  Shvedova terminated Agnieszka Radwanska, the 8th seed.  As a result, either Groth or Shvedova will make her first quarterfinal appearance at a major against either Jelena Jankovic or Daniela Hantuchova.

Following a commanding first round match, Jankovic’s second and the third rounds required a lot more effort.  In the fourth round, Jankovic collides with Hantuchova who has yet to surrender a set.  Although their head to head is knotted at 3 apiece, Hantuchova captured both meetings this year and on clay.  Thus, if Hantuchova is mentally firm, she may disillusion her rival and reach her first French Open quarterfinal.

Five of the top ten women have survived through to the second week.  Of these, Serena is still the one with the greatest chance of seizing the trophy.  Regardless, Henin, the four time champion, may have a part to play in that outcome.  If these two progress to a quarterfinal meeting, Henin has the odds skewed in favor.  No disrespect meant to the rest of the field, but, such a match will decide the eventual owner of the trophy.

Today, the French Open draw was revealed.  Because Serena and Venus Williams are the top two seeds, the possibility of an all Williams final exists. However, with Justine Henin, a four time champion, a potential quarterfinal rival for Serena and Venus perhaps seeing Aravane Rezai or Nadia Petrova in the round of 16, the list of spoilers is extensive.  Here’s a snapshot of the likely key match-ups which may eventually determine the victor.

After months of being a spectator, Serena rejoined the tour in Rome where she reached the semifinals. Despite an early exit in singles in Madrid,  Serena got reacquainted with the surface by prevailing in doubles along with Venus.  Serena’s first obstacle would come in the form of Marion Bartoli in the round of 16 since she would play a denizen. Still, Serena’s biggest hindrance lies in the quarters.  Serena lost to Henin, the eventual champion, in 2003 and 2007.  On the other hand, that match may not materialize as Henin could battle Maria Sharapova in the third round.  Samantha Stosur, a semifinalist in 2009 and the titlist in Charleston this year, is another potential tough quarterfinal opponent for Serena.

Following Serena, Jelena Jankovic is the next highest seed in the top half of the draw.  With players such as Dinara Safina, Yanina Wickmayer and Vera Zvonareva returning from injury on Jankovic’s side of the draw, she should have an uneven full path to the quarters.  Agnieszka Radwanska or Ana Ivanovic could be Jankovic’s quarterfinal adversary.  Since her glorious days at Roland Garros in 2008, Ivanovic has slipped.  For the first time in months, Ivanovic showed true signs of life with a semifinal posting in Rome.  Perhaps it will take Paris to completely get Ivanovic out of her slump.

Venus Williams and defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova flank the bottom half of the draw.  So far this year, Kuznetsova’s results have been mediocre. Consequently, for Kuznetsova, it is safe to deduce that a replay of 2009 is a long shot.  In the first round, Kuznetsova faces a difficult opponent, Sorana Cirstea.  Should she move on, Maria Kirilenko could upset her in the third round.  Li Na and Francesca Schiavone could trouble Kuznetsova in the round of 16.  Moreover, legitimate stumbling blocks in the quarters for Kuznetsova include Flavia Pennetta, Lucie Safarova, Alexandra Dulgheru and Caroline Wozniacki.

On the other hand, Wozniacki, the third seed, has been hampered by an ankle injury since Charleston.  For that reason, Wozniacki has failed to make an impact after winning in Ponte Vedra Beach.  In the third round, Wozniacki may see Dulgheru and Pennetta or Safarova in the fourth round. Considering the caliber of those rivals, it’s doubtful that Wozniacki has lasting power.

Elena Dementieva’s clay results have been abysmal.  In the second round, Spaniard Anabel Medina Garrigues could hand Dementieva another disappointment.  Down the road, Dementieva may encounter Victoria Azarenka or Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez in the round of 16.  With the latter’s shocking win over Jankovic in the finals of Rome, Dementieva will need to raise her game if she has aspirations of earning at least a quarterfinal spot.

For Venus, losing to Rezai in the finals in Madrid, was undoubtedly a setback.  Since reaching the finals in 2002, Venus has only gotten to the quarters in Paris.  In the first round, Venus will need to overcome veteran Patty Schnyder.  Then, Dominika Cibulkova, a semifinalist in 2009, could be a tricky third round opponent for the American.  Besides Petrova and Rezai in the round of 16, Azarenka, Dementieva and Martinez Sanchez lurk for Venus in the quarterfinals.

The European clay season has been chuck full of surprises. With the exception of Henin’s triumph in Stuttgart, unseeded but the conspicuous favorite, every top seed has been taken down in the finals by a much lower ranked competitor. Before retiring in 2008, Henin owned the clay at Roland Garros.  Despite her patchy performance the last couple of weeks, Henin’s experience gives her a huge edge over the field.  The same applies to Serena who seems to peak at the majors. The French have been hungry for a homegrown champion.  In 1983 year, when Yannick Noah hoisted the trophy, Rezai’s father visualized his daughter attaining similar success at Roland Garros.  Who knows, Rezai could be the novice who breaks out of the pack to steal the trophy in Paris.

The women’s draw sprang a leak for the first time at the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open. Svetlana Kuznetsova,  the top seed, Victoria Azarenka, the defending champion and 4th seed, as well as Jelena Jankovic, the 2008 finalist and 7th seed, all went out in the round of 16.  Venus Williams barely hung on to defeat Daniela Hantuchova 1-6,7-5,6-4.

Hantuchova captured Williams’ first two service games and ran away with the first set 6-1.  In the second set, courtesy of a Williams double fault, Hantuchova arrived at break point. After Venus wiped that out, later on because of errors, Hantuchova capitalized for 2-0.  Promptly though, Williams broke at love to get back on serve.  Shortly thereafter, Hantuchova misfired on three consecutive backhands handing Williams a break.  Venus consolidated at love for a 4-2 edge.  But, with Williams serving for the second set at 5-4, as a result of a double fault and a netted backhand, Hantuchova had break point.  When Venus made a forehand error subsequent to a terrific down the line stroke by Daniela, the players were dead even.  Down the road, by provoking mistakes from Hantuchova, Williams obtained a break, then, with a love game, she acquired the second set.

Early on in the third set, both competitors had break point, but maintained serve.  Yet, in the ninth game, with aggressive shots, Williams forced Hantuchova into errors and on her third break chance converted for a 5-4 lead.  Following a forehand crosscourt winner, Venus arrived at triple match point.  Williams moved on to the quarterfinals when Hantuchova dumped the return into the net.

Here are Venus’ comments after the match to the questions by MiamiTennisNews.com:
Q.  You last played her in 2007, although you have a 90 record against her, it’s been a while.  Was there something different about her game today, or was it the conditions?
WILLIAMS:  Yeah, she played really well.  I haven’t seen her play so well in a long time, so I think she was really executing her game.  Conversely, I was a little bit off and struggling to find the court and everything else. You know, days like this you just have to figure out a way to win the point, even if it’s not pretty.  So I enjoy that battle. Of course, I’d like to win more straightforward, but when it counts and times get tough, I always feel confident that I’m gonna find a way to win the point.

Q.  I notice that you don’t call for oncourt coaching.  Do you enjoy trying to figure out the puzzle on your own?
WILLIAMS:  I’ve called before.  It’s been a while.  I like being on the court alone.  I enjoy that.  I’m not a player [who] looks at [her] box every point. I look inside myself, because I feel like I have the answer. And all I need is my box to say, Go, go.  You can do it. That’s enough.

In the next round, Williams battles Agnieszka Radwanska.  Radwanska ousted Yaroslava Shvedova in straight sets 6-1,6-4.

The opening set of the Clijsters and Azarenka match was a dizzying with breaks galore. Ultimately after scratching off double break point on her serve, Clijsters set up double break/set point with a forehand crosscourt winner.  Clijsters pocketed the set when Azarenka dumped a forehand into the net.

After Clijsters had an easy game to begin the second set, with a forehand crosscourt winner, she broke for 2-0.  As Azarenka’s frustration mounted, her play deteriorated leading to Clijsters finishing her off in no time flat.  The final score was 6-4,6-0.

Samantha Stosur will be Clijsters’ quarterfinal adversary.  On her fourth attempt, Stosur prevailed for the first time over Jelena Jankovic 6-1,7-6.

A mixture of inclement weather and a shoulder injury resulted in Kuznetsova’s downfall. The Russian was given her pink slip by Marion Bartoli.  Bartoli pounced Kuznetsova 6-3,6-0.

This was what Bartoli had to say when MiamiTennisNews.com asked:
Q.  This is your first quarters here since 2003.  How does it feel?
BARTOLI:  Yeah, it feels great, you know.  I had a couple of bad years here. It was really tough for me, because I really love this tournament since I played Orange Bowl here when I was 16 years old. Coming here and playing so badly last few years has been tough mentally.  This year I just arrived a bit earlier from Indian Wells . . .  and practiced really a lot more . . . to get used to the conditions, because it’s just really tough to play here. I think the work paid off.

Q. The last time you played Kuznetsova was in 2006 in Bali.  Is there something different about your game or her game?
BARTOLI:  My game is different. I am serving a lot better than before.  I have a more powerful game compared to the last time we played which was before 2007 when I ended up ranked in the top ten and made it to a grand slam final.  My level particularly has elevated tremendously. [My serve]  especially is more powerful.

Bartoli battles Yanina Wickmayer in the quarters.  Wickmayer trounced Timea Bacsinszki 6-0,6-1.

Finally, a comfortable win for Caroline Wozniacki as she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2,6-2.  Wozniacki’s quarterfinal rival, Justine Henin will not be as generous. Henin dispatched Vera Zvonareva 6-1,6-4.

For the second straight day at the Sony Ericsson Open, a highly ranked male seed went out in the second round.  World number three and defending champion, Andy Murray, was beaten by Mardy Fish 6-3,6-4 .  Although Roger Federer, the number one seed, was pushed by Nicolas Lapentti.  Federer still won comfortably 6-3, 6-3.

Poor serving and a tentative return game were what Murray brought to the table; thus, Fish took full advantage.  The initial game of the second set, Murray double faulted handing Fish his second break point opportunity, the American converted.  After consolidating and widening his lead to 3-1, Fish cruised on serve.  However, in the eighth game, Fish faced a 15-40 deficit.  Once again, the serve was his ally.  By raining a few bombs, Fish extricated himself out of this jam and maintained a 5-3 lead.  After Murray held, serving out the match, Fish once more was down break point.  Still, Fish snuffed Murray’s advantage with his serve.  Subsequently, with a couple of aces and unreturnables, Fish sealed the win.

Murray spends a lot of time training in South Florida, so MiamiTennisNews wondered:
Q.  You know this court almost more than anyone else.  You practice here all the time.  What made the difference in today’s match?
MURRAY:  Well, Mardy served well when he needed to.  You know, especially the second set when he was down break points he served well.  But I just wasn’t very good today, and I’m going to need to get a lot better.

After Murray’s debacle, a love-30 start to Federer’s opening game and a break point the subsequent one by Lapentti were preoccupying.  Still, with a few good serves, Federer held to stay on serve.  For his part, Lapentti had no difficulty holding with back to back love games for 2 all.  After multiple errant forehands, with Lapentti serving at 4-5, Federer connected on a forehand up the winner for deuce.  Later, Federer provoked a backhand error by Lapentti resulting in break point.  Then, the world number one produced a stellar backhand down the line pass to go ahead 5-3.  Following, with an easy game, Federer slammed the door on the first set.

Lapentti revealed no signs of disappointment, starting the second set strongly in part aided by Federer having trouble finding his mark with the forehand.  Similarly, Federer continued to have routine service games.  The good thing for Federer was that when it mattered, his forehand showed up.  With Lapentti serving at 3 all, Federer obtained break point with a forehand up the line winner.  When Lapentti’s forehand sailed long, Federer had the crucial break.  After getting out of love-30 mess to consolidate, with a backhand crosscourt winner, Federer broke Lapentti to finish the match.

As anticipated, Robin Soderling, Marin Cilic, Fernando Gonzalez and Fernando Verdasco advanced, all in straight sets.  Seeds Mikhail Youzhny, Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka, Juan Monaco, Jurgen Melzer, Marcos Baghdatis and Feliciano Lopez also  moved on without difficulty.  On the other hand, Alberto Montanes, the 26th seed, Gilles Simon, seeded 20th, and Janko Tipsarevic, the 31st seed, were ousted.

For the women, it was business as usual.  Svetlana Kuznetsova, the top seed, with a 6-2,6-3 win, sent Agnes Szavay home . Venus Williams said arrivederci to Roberta Vinci with a 6-1,6-4 victory.  Agnieszka Radwanska took care of Ana Ivanovic 7-5,7-5.  Both Yanina Wickmayer and Marion Bartoli only needed two sets to pass to the round of 16.  The night match between Daniela Hantuchova and Nadia Petrova was less stimulating than expected.  Hantuchova prevailed over Petrova 6-2,6-4.  Timea Bacsinszky had an easy time with Polona Hercog 6-2,6-2.  Her next round will be more challenging as she faces Wickmayer.

The shocker for the women came from the doubles field as the top seed Cara Black and Liezel Huber were defeated in the first round by Natalie Grandin and Abigail Spears.