To thoroughly enjoy the accomplishment of the winners, a look back through the draw not only enhances the meaning of the trophy but also offers a look at all the accomplishments and disappointments that made the tournament such an emotional and sporting success. In the end, an athlete’s ability to put it out there, everything on the line, and perform at the highest level is a quality we all admire.

A look back at each draw will tell us who may have exceeded their expectations and may also tell the fans who might have been most disappointed. Those are the memories and emotional experiences that will drive these players through Wimbledon, our next Grand Slam.

Men’s Draw

Roger Federer - Winner of French Open 2009 Men's Title

The most compelling moment in the tournament may well have been the brief emotional response by the game’s greatest player. When Roger Federer fell to his knees and released the pent-up emotion that marked his two-week march through the field, it said volumes about the demands of a Grand Slam.

While the terre battue has proven to be the most elusive surface for the 14-time Grand Slam winner, this championship attests to Roger’s determination, work ethic and stamina. When this regal tennis competitor sets his mind to the task, he has the unique ability to convert hours of training into titles and dollars.

Unquestionably Roger Federer was the star of the Men’s 2009 French Open. Many other players provided exhilarating thrills while playing to a higher level than might have been expected. The success of the many French entrants kept the local crowds turning the turnstiles and providing excited roars from all corners of Stade Roland Garros. While Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s tournament ended abruptly at the hands of Juan Martin Del Porto, Gael Monfils established himself as player to be reckoned with. His semifinal straight set loss to the eventual Champion did not overshadow his thrilling and popular win over 6th seed Andy Roddick.

However, the tournament’s most unexpected performer was tournament runner-up Robin Soderling. Sweden’s hard-hitting 23rd seed, surprised everyone with his dominance of four-time French Champion Rafa Nadal.

That match threw the field into a state of frenzy and is the only singles match Nadal has lost at Roland Garros. His follow-up win over Nikolay Davydenko and thrilling five set comeback victory in which over a tough Fernando Gonzalez padded his resume. Trailing 1-4 in the fifth, Soderling showed his grit by rattling off the last five games against the fierce Gonzalez.

Women’s Draw

Svetlana Kuznetsova Won Women's Title at French Open 2009

There can be no dispute that Coupe Suzanne Lenglen winner Svetlana Kuznetsova was the best clay court player at the 2009 French Open. Not only did she outplay all comers, but also she bested number two seed Serena Williams and number one seed Dinara Safina along the way. Svetlana displayed the disciplined game plan and controlled execution of power backhands and forehands that won her the title. Despite a mediocre serve, Svetlana played within herself and in the moment. She played to her strength and successfully directed her play at her opponent’s weaknesses. For Svetlana, it was a heroic return to the Grand Slam winner’s circle.

There were many outstanding performers in this year’s draw and, of course, just as many unsettling performances. Despite reaching the finals, no player is more disappointed than Runner-up Dinara Safina, who marched through the field en route to the finals. Neatly overcoming quarterfinalist Victoria Azarenka in three sets and semifinalist Dominika Cibulkova in two sets, Dinara seemed poised to capture her first Grand Slam. Once again, her tentative play in a finals marred the way.

Fifth seed Jelena Jankovic had things going her way until she ran into a determined Sorana Cirstea. The unseeded Romanian put Jelena on the sidelines with a surprising three set win. The final set was 9-7.

Perhaps the most gratifying performance was turned in by Australian Samantha Stosur, who seems to have regained her form after an extended medical leave from the tour. The 30th seed knocked off 4th seed Elena Dementieva, France’s Virginia Razzano and the testy Cirstea before succumbing in three tense sets to the Suzanne Lenglen winner. Stosur will bemoan her inability to convert opportunities but performed well and will certainly be a player to watch at Wimbledon.

Maria Sharapova marked her return to the tour with a solid performance that should inspire her for England. Despite being blown out in the quarters by the diminutive Cibulkova, Sharapova etched three victories. If her legs get in tournament shape, Maria Sharapova will be a force at Wimbledon.

Men’s Doubles

Lukas Dlouhy & Leander Paes Won Doubles Title

The Draw held form for most of this event. The top seed, Nestor and Zimonjic, the three seed, Dlouhy-Paes, the two seed Bryan-Bryan all reached the semifinals. Only fourth seeded Bhupathi-Knowles faltered, losing in the second round to Acasuso and Gonzalez.

Seventh seeded Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman were the event’s over-achievers topping Bryan and Bryan in a thrilling three set semifinal, 0-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4. This may well have been the match of the event and was the best-ever Grand Slam performance by either winner.

For Americans Bryan and Bryan, it was another bitter loss and one that continues their slide from the top ranking to which they have become accustomed.

The Men’s Doubles Champions, Lukas Dlouhy and Leander Paes played like champions, overcoming the top seed 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) in the semis before turning back Moodie and Norman in the three set (3-6, 6-3, 6-2) finals.

The defeat of India’s Bhupathi and Bahamian Knowles by Acususo and Gonzalez (7-5, 4-6, 7-5) in round two was another fierce match. The upset will serve to get the four seed back in form for Wimbledon.

Women’s Doubles

Garrigues & Pascual Won Women's Doubles Title

Despite the ease with which Spain’s Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual dominated the finals (6-1, 6-1) the Women’s Doubles Tournament provided high-level competition, plenty of thrills and loads of upsets.

The top half of the draw featured top seeded Black and Huber who walked to the quarters with ease. Their match (7-5, 5-7, 6-2) with third seeded Garrigues and Pascual was the match of the tournament. With everything at stake, these experienced doubles teams held nothing back. Virtually every point in the two hour forty-five minute battle was contested. Play was filled with sharp volleys, crisp serving and in your face net play.

The lower half of the draw was filled with upsets. Second seed Peschke-Raymond lost in the second round where fourth seed Stosur-Stubbs also failed. Upstarts Azarenka and Vesnina overcame Hsieh-Peng in the semis (6-3, 7-5) to claim a berth in the finals. Azarenka may have been suffering from her singles defeat and never really got into the final match. However, the hard-hitting right-hander is a serious doubles player and may well advance on the Wimbledon grass.

Azarenka-Vesnina’s final effort was the most disappointing of the event, but their play achieving the finals was the most unexpected.

Mixed Doubles

In 2009 at Roland Garros, only the Mixed Doubles winner was the number one seed. Hats off to hard core American doubles performers Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan who overcame surprising eight seed Vania King and Marcelo Melo in a tight 5-7, 7-6 ((5), 1-0 (7) thriller.

King and Melo get kudos for over-achieving while the major disappointments were registered by India’s doubles specialists Mirza and Bhupathi who were turned away in their first round match. The experienced doubles team had trouble with the red clay and could not get their game together against Ram and Dechy.

For the Champions, it was another steady title and leads followers to believe they play as well as it takes to win. What a great two weeks in Paris. See you at Wimbledon!

Roger Federer With Trophy After Winning French Open 2009

On Sunday afternoon, Stade Roland Garros rocked with the enthusiasm afforded the 1927 Mousquetaires as the Champion fell to his knees and shed tears of accomplishment. Roger Federer is the French Open 2009 winner of the revered Coupe des Mousquetaires and no man on the planet deserves it more. At every moment of his unparalleled career, Roger Federer has remained a beacon of the tradition and sportsmanship that characterizes the game he loves; and that loves him. Roger Federer not only has won 14 Grand Slam tennis tournaments, he has been true to himself, true to his fans and true to the sport.

Yes, Roger Federer is the 2009 French Open Champion and no player on the planet has ever deserved it more. In an age where professional and amateur athletes bend rules, have temper tantrums, intimidate officials and have wild outbursts of gamesmanship Roger Federer ties on his sneakers and lets his game do the talking.

Roger Federer is a tennis champion’s champion!

His newest title is Federer’s first Coupe des Mousquetaires and makes the Switzerland’s graceful hero just the sixth player to win all four major championships. In Paris, Roger has been a perennial bridesmaid to four-time champion Rafael Nadal and other clay geniuses. But, bridesmaid no longer, Federer now shares the record for most Grand Slam Championships with American Pete Sampras. The way Roger is playing, he could well set the record at the 2009 Wimbledon Championship or at the U.S. Open.

In a tournament marked by the absence of form, the greatest player of the generation took on sturdy challenges and prevailed with consistent serving, the most deadly forehand in the game and with an abundance of personal fortitude. The 27-year old’s legions of fans began the celebration early on Sunday as “Rogere” never let the outcome be in doubt.

The Coupe des Mousquetaires was presented by American star Andre Agassi whose wife, Steffi Graf, did similar honors for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen yesterday. For Federer, Agassi had lavish praise; “That’s the true test of a champion and it’s so fitting that he won here. He deserved it, earned it, he’s come across in a generation where he was the second greatest clay courter for five years and earlier this year took six weeks off to focus on his fitness and also put hundreds of practice hours on clay courts. He has improved on the surface. Adding a nifty drop shot that earned him dozens of points during the tournament and seems more confident sliding into his ground strokes.”

Roger Federer

In the finals, Sweden’s Robin Soderling never mounted a challenge, losing 6-1, 7-6 (1), and 6-4. His previous record against Federer proved true to form. Federer had won all nine previous matchups and had only lost one set along the way. On Sunday, the moment was bigger than Soderling and he was unable to play to the level that just one week ago had led him past the tournament’s top seed, Nadal.

On the road to the finals, other high seeds like Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Fernando Verdasco and Andy Roddick succumbed. The Champion still had a rocky road to the finals going five sets against Tommy Hass, four sets against Jose Acasuso, five sets against hard-serving Juan Martin Del Porto and besting two locals heroes, Paul-Henri Mathieu (4) and crowd favorite Gaels Monfils.

The clouds emptied a steady drizzle during the match and Soderling seemed to suffer. His early effort was distracted by the crowd, the weather and his erstwhile opponent. Meanwhile, Federer picked holes in Soderling’s game that other players had been unable to find. The 6-1 first set took just 23 minutes before the handwriting was on the wall.

Both players held serve in the second set. The rain eased for the tiebreaker and the Champion seized the moment and the tournament by notching four aces, a piercing forehand winner and a spellbinding drop shot to notch the set 7-1. Midway through the third set, Federer had won an astounding 80% of his second serves.

Soderling had made his name in this event by serving hard and consistently and by pounding returns. Both qualities were missing on Sunday. He faulted more than in any previous match, his serves were lacking in velocity and kick and his returns were ineffective.

During the awards ceremony, Soderling graciously complimented the winner; “He’s a great player. He doesn’t have any weaknesses at all. He really deserves to be called the best player of all time.”

At 27, Federer is not finished. He met such success in his earlier years that fans tend to think he is past prime. Federer has revamped his game and has now won two consecutive clay tournaments to raise his total tour championships to 59.

Perhaps more meaningful is Federer’s sporting contribution to the preservation of the game. Great players make great shots look easy. Two weeks of competing against the greatest competition in the world on the courts at Roland Garros is enough to make younger men falter. They all did! When Nadal went down to Soderling, experts felt Federer might feel the pressure of being the tournament favorite. As he has done at every turn, Roger rose to the occasion, wore the favorite’s role well and beat back all challengers. Hail to a true Champion!

Svetlana Kuznetsova won Women's title at French Open 2009 by defeating Russian Dinara Safina

A composed and focused Svetlana Kuznetsova added a well deserved 2009 French Open Tennis championship title and the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen to her 2004 U.S. Open title. The fierce 23-year old parlayed a powerful forehand with a devastating backhand to capture her second Grand Slam and leave the forlorn top seed Muscovite, Dinara Safina, grasping for straws.

In a battle of familiar Russian stars, Kuznetsova executed her game plan to perfection. In a post-match interview, Svetlana mentioned that Dinara put too much pressure on herself, wanted the title too much and tried to slug her way through her nervous moments. The Champion capitalized on Dinara’s self-inflicted nerves by refusing to lose needless points and making the wayward Dinara hit outright winners.

Kuznetsova played patiently until the time was right and then time after time released devastating winners. Both players served tentatively. Safina’s first serve was consistently in the 80’s while Svetlana Kuznetsova rarely topped 88 mph. The softly served match made for great returns and played to Kuznetsova’s favor.

Kuznetsova is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Since her 2004 U.S. Open championship, she has quietly gone about her career with the solid determination she displayed in the finals. The St. Petersburg native has amassed more than $10 million in earnings, $3 million more than Safina.

Svetlana Kuznetsova in action at Roland Garros against Russian Dinara Safina in the finals of women's French Open 2009

Svetlana arrived at the court with a plan and the calm resolve to execute her plan. She pounded backhands down the lines and moved the lanky Safina across the court with powerful forehands. Safina was often lunging for retrieves and hitting off the wrong foot.

Safina’s double fault at match point typified her second consecutive nervous Grand Slam final performance. The hard-working Russian had high hopes to rebound from a dismal final match in Melbourne and to prove her number one ranking. The final double fault was her seventh of the match while Svetlana double faulted just once.

The Champion also managed to convert on 5 of 7 break-point opportunities. Svetlana enjoyed a distinct advantage in first serve efficiency. Averaging just under 90 mph, Svetlana was successful with 78% of her first serves. The Champion was clearly determined not to beat herself. Her first serve accuracy and proficient groundstrokes seemed to add even more pressure on Dinara, who lacked the patient ability to play through points.

When the top seed gambled, the winner responded by chasing down every salvo and returning with piercing accuracy. When Dinara tried to outlast the Champion, the gritty winner simply refused to make errors. The finals seemed a re-written script for the 6 foot 2 repeat French Open runner-up.

In the second set, at 2-4 and down 15-love Safina screamed out, “Why am I such a chicken?” as another tentative forehand fell into the net. What has become characteristic of the world’s number one is that she wants a Grand Slam title so badly that she plays not to lose rather than playing to win. In all earlier matches, Safina played confidently, as though she expected to win.

Dinara could not intimidate her long-time friend and opponent. On this day in Paris, Svetlana Kuznetsova was clearly the better player and a deserving champion.

The former Russian junior rivals are just 10 months apart and have competed against each other for many years. In post-match ceremonies, it was clear there was mutual respect.

The gracious winner’s march to the title was not easy. She defeated the second seeded and most dominant Grand Slam women’s competitor, Serena Williams, in the quarterfinals. Svetlana then outplayed the very game Australian Samantha Stosur in a tough three set semifinal. It may well have been the pressure in those matches that gave her the confidence to win in the finals.

Kuznetsova rallied in both of her previous matches. She was down a break in the final set to Williams and lost the momentum to Stosur before surging to victory. Against Safina, Kuznetsova was in charge from the outset. Both players broke twice in the first set before the Champion held to go up 5-4.

With the set on the line, Safina could not find the serve that had helped her reach the finals. At 15-40, she lost to a heart-stopping backhand down the line to lose the set 6-4. The French fans wanted more but instead were forced to uncomfortably watch Safina unravel.

Kuznetsova will now prepare for Wimbledon and has added another notch to her resume. It should be remembered that in Melbourne, Svetlana was dominating Serena before an extended break resulting from the unusual in-match decision to close the roof. The delay seemed to unnerve the Russian bomber.

Kuznetsova will jump up in the rankings and deserves much respect for her Grand Slam presence. To upset the 2009 French Open Champion, players will need to counter her steady, heady play. The stocky Russian has the physique and talent to last through the draining two-week Grand Slam events. Congratulations to the very deserving and impressive 2009 Roland Garros Women’s Champion!

See you at Wimbledon!

Robin Soderling

Wow! Two of the most emotionally grueling and physically demanding comebacks in French Open Tennis history played out to overflow crowds in the 2009 semifinals at Roland Garros. The charged gallery put its tennis mood on early and wore it passionately through two 3 hour 30 minute matches.

First, Sweden’s Nadal conqueror, Robin Soderling, bested Chile’s Fernando Gonzales in a contentious 5 set nail-biter, 6-3, 7-5, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4. Soderling trailed 1-4 in the fifth set before mounting a stirring comeback and running the table on the game drop-shotter.

When the match began, it seemed that the 12th seeded Gonzalez would not be able to answer the hard serving, power driving 23rd seed. Trailing two sets to none, the savvy Chilean dipped deep into his bag of drop shots and gamesmanship to turn the tide and gain the momentum after four sets.

Soderling’s successful run in Paris has been based upon his ability to serve and volley with abandon. The same strategy that kept Rafa Nadal 10 feet behind the baseline looked like a sure winner after two sets. Gonzalez showed his teeth in the second set when at 4-4 and love-40, he rattled off three winners en route to a key hold to go up 5-4. The Chilean court master then had a set point before succumbing.

Although broken at 5-5, the Chilean had learned something as he relentlessly hit the ball low to Soderling’s backhand. Throughout the match, Gonzalez kept working the Swede’s backhand.

The passionate Chilean had several confrontations with the chair umpire and linespersons. Most notable was a fourth set dispute over a line call at 4-4. Gonzalez marked his disgust by erasing the ball mark with his backside and then held serve and broke at 6-5 to grab the set.

After Gonzalez won sets three and four, he seemed to have the match under control. When he broke in the fourth game of the final set and then held to go up 4-1, the match outcome seemed a mere formality. But, Soderling held to close to 2-4 and then broke to get the match back on serve.

Gonzales continued to question line calls as the crowd swung towards Soderling. The Swede did what he does best and bullied his way past the Chilean, finally sealing the match with a ferocious backhand drive down the line.

The win marks the first time a Swede has reached the finals since his coach, Magnus Norman, accomplished the feat in 2000. Soderling has now won nine consecutive matches on clay and looks to become the first Swede since Mats Wilander to win at Roland Garros.

Federer Defeated Del Porto to Reach The Finals Of French Open 2009

No stranger to championship caliber competition, Switzerland’s Roger Federer rode a wave of French support to turn the tide on Argentina’s Juan Martin del Porto and pull out a tight 3-6, 7-6 (2), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 quality semifinal win. The crowd loudly proclaimed Rogere! Rogere! with each winning shot.

A win by Federer will make him just the sixth man in tennis history to have won all four major titles and will tie him with Pete Sampras for the most Grand Slam titles at 14. With the semifinal win, Federer has now tied Ivan Lendl for the all-time Grand Slam record for appearances in the finals at 19.

Remarkably, this semifinal appearance marked Federer’s 20th consecutive semifinal and was his 200th Grand Slam match.

The revered Swiss star needed every bit of his composure and Grand Slam experience to withstand another steady barrage by another up and coming star. The 20-year old 6 foot 7 inch 5th seed got off the starting blocks quickly as he blasted first serve after first serve at Federer and followed up with piercing forehands.

When Del Porto was on, he was dominating. He eased through sets one and three, breaking Federer twice in the third set and seemed headed to the finals.

But, just when Federer looks most vulnerable, he finds a way to turn the momentum. He broke Del Porto early in the fourth set and Juan martin seemed to let down his intensity. In earlier sets, his serving velocity exceeded 130 mph.

With Nadal’s loss to finalist Robin Soderling, Federer has worn the pressure of tournament and fan favorite, a role usually reserved for four-time French Champion Rafa. Despite his stellar play, Roger had lost more sets than any other tournament semifinalist.

Federer’s comebacks are becoming regular. He seems to show early match jitters, then steadies the play and finally begins to dominate. This was the case against both Tommy Haas and Juan Martin. Del Porto was unable to sustain his go for broke style. When he needed big shots in the final set, Federer had the answers. Federer’s win was cause for celebration in Paris where the Swiss star appears to have been adopted.

Dinara Safina Into Final Of French Open 2009

Top-seeded Dinara Safina has played the favorite’s role to perfection. An impressive run of matches now puts the flu-ridden Safina in the finals against 7th seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova. Safina’s straight-set 6-3, 6-3 triumph over diminutive Slovakian upstart Dominika Cibulkova did little to unseat the husky Russian as the favorite to win her first Grand Slam title.

Safina has a history of nerves in Grand Slam events and when Cibulkova came out firing two-handed backhand bullets to jump ahead 0-2, it seemed like Dinara might fade once again. To her credit, Safina gathered herself, adjusted her strategy and decided to make use of her distinct physical advantages.

The 6 foot 2 inch Runner-up in last year’s French Open proceeded to make the 5 foot 3 inch Cibulkova beat her with her forehand. Te strategy worked as the Slovakian fireplug, who prefers her backhand, lacked the patience to wait for her shot. Her forehand volleys were not strong enough to move Dinara around the court and forehand after forehand soon began to come up short.

Even when Safina hit soft second serves to Cibulkova’s forehand, the challenger could not drive the returns. The Slovakian’s inability to capitalize on Safina’s subpar second serve, characterized her fate. As the match went on, Safina took advantage of her 20 year-old opponent’s size by lobbing over her head when needed and by effectively moving her from side to side.

Cibulkova was under pressure the entire match and it gradually began to take a toll. Dominika has had a great year, going 13-9 in her singles matches prior to Roland Garros and winning almost $1 million, but she was no match for the steady Safina in the semis.

Dinara is one of the tour’s most determined players. Since her drubbing by Serena Williams in the finals at Melbourne, Safina has dedicated herself toward achieving her number one ranking and to winning her first Grand Slam event. Thus far, Dinara is the only top seed to stay the course. With Serena’s fall to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the semis, Dinara will retain her number one ranking and is a heavy favorite to capture that elusive first Grand Slam crown.

Svetlana Kuznetsova In The Final

Another player has now emerged from the well-endowed stable of Russian women to challenge her country-mate for the Roland Garros title. It seems like wherever you look on the women’s professional tour, Russian women are dominating the rankings and the earnings. After this year’s French Open finalist Svetlana Kuznetsova will be moving up and now the Russian stable boasts the return of former world number one, Maria Sharapova who vows to be even stronger by Wimbledon.

The seventh seeded Kuztnesova blinked but prevailed against 30th seeded Australian pretty-girl Samantha Stosur. In a suspenseful match filled with emotional swings, Kuznetsova took control of the final set and would not let go. Her 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 2.5 hour win proved Svetlana to be a tough-minded workhorse with the ability to maintain her focus and play through pain.

In her quarterfinal win against Serena Williams, Kuztnesova turned her ankle, yet kept on playing. The hard-hitting blonde was determined to avoid the distractions that have led to several career setbacks. Not one to complain, Svetlana got back in the saddle and powered her way past Williams and used the same toughness to put aside her game Australian opponent.

Stosur, who has overcome her own physical setbacks, put up a noble fight. She was in every set, clawing at every point and showed plenty of heart throughout the semifinal match. Primarily recognized as a stellar doubles player, Samantha has ridden a win over Safina in Miami with her dominance of 4th seeded Elena Dementieva to propel herself into the top ten. That marks quite a leap for the 30 seed.

Kuznetsova now moves on to the finals against Safina, her confident opponent. Kuznetsova’s inconsistent serve may be the key to her match with Dinara. Stosur capitalized on the Russian’s soft first and even softer second serve. With Safina’s ability to attack the serve, the pressure will be on Svetlana to improve her velocity in the finals.

Against Stosur, Kuznetsova successfully landed 72% of her first serves, but she only averaged 150 kmh and she will not be able to drive Safina off the baseline. Kuznetsova’s second serve averaged a modest 129 kmh.

As a result, the finals shape up as a test for Svetlana. She will have to return Safina’s serve aggressively and be prepared to chase down Dinara’s driving returns of her own serves. For Svetlana to pull the upset, she will need to break Safina on multiple occasions because the top seed will certainly be on the attack.

Throughout the tournament, Kuznetsova has shown a champion’s capacity to counter-punch and play through reversals. If she gets out of the blocks quickly against Safina, she just may play her way to the title.

In a three hour thirty minute thriller, the Swede Soderling powered crisp, penetrating forehand after forehand winner past the stunned Nadal and ended the Spaniard’s run for a record fifth consecutive French Open title.

Nadal had chalked up 31 consecutive wins at Roland Garros dating back top 2005. On paper, Soderling did not match up well against the left-handed King of Clay. The 24-year old eight-year veteran of the pro tour has a modest 2009 singles record of 11-10. He has never advanced beyond the third round of a Grand Slam tournament.

Now, that is all history. Nadal’s 41-4 record this year is down the drain and by the wayside. Soderling was so powerful, and so finely tuned that Nadal was forced to play well behind the baseline. At times, he seemed mesmerized by the shots that kept ripping back from the very fit Swiss powerhouse.

In 2007, Soderling had forced Nadal to five sets at Wimbledon. On the circuit, Soderling is known as a hard surface and indoor specialist. His clay court dominance over the game’s best clay court player was unexpected to fans but not to Nadal, who trains hard for every match and expected a tough match from Soderling.

Nadal may have been surprised by the size and vocal support of Soderling’s following. With each winning shot, it seemed as if the Swede’s support grew. When Rafa bounced back to force set two to a tiebreaker, the fans quieted. When he stormed out of the gate and romped through the tiebreaker, it seemed like Rafa was back and the inevitable would occur.

The tough-minded Swede answered by breaking in the first game of the third set. Robin held the break and claimed the set. Nadal promptly broke in the first game of set four and Soderling responded with another immediate break.

Several times, Nadal attempted to change the momentum by his notorious delay tactics and unusual gamesmanship maneuvering. Soderling was not buying it. He answered every delay with thunderous volleys and let his forehand do his talking.

Soderling will next play Russian Nikolay Davydenko who blasted past the other left-handed Spaniard Fernando Verdasco to claim his seta in the quarters. Much like Nadal, Verdasco never could catch up to Davydenko. On this day, at Roland Garros, it seemed as if the seeds were fair game and relatively easy pickings.

At this level of play, the seeds have to prove their mettle. The challengers have nothing to lose and are playing aggressively.

Ana out too!

Verdasco’s latest heartthrob and French Open defending champion, Ana Ivanovic will be joining him on the café circuit. 9th seed Victoria Azarenka never let the 2008 champ in the match. She came out of the gate firing powerful groundstrokes and kept Ana on her back foot throughout the straight set match.

Azarenka handed Ivanoivc a surprisingly easy and surprisingly quick lopsided defeat, 6-2, 6-3. Azarenka’s power left French fans drooling over the prospects of the Safina-Azarenka quarterfinal pairing. The ninth seed looks ready to break through and shows no fear at taking on higher seeds. Safina, who has yet to been challenged in Paris, will know she has been in a match against the very solid Azarenka.

In another fourth round match at Roland Garros, Maria Sharapova dropped the second set 0-6, but covered the set with two 6-4 victories to seal a quarterfinal berth against Slovakia’s 20th seed, Dominika Cibulkova.

Sharapova has had moments of brilliance but moments of mediocrity this year. She is making a habit of three set matches and the Grand Slam is difficult enough without expending energy in subpar sets.

Sharapova advances but without appearing dominant. Cibulkova, who bested Venus Williams slayer Agnes Szavay, will provide a stiff test for Maria. Szavay never got untracked against Dominika, but her loyal fans voiced their admiration in defeat. So, it was on Sunday in Paris.

On the Men’s side the top seed and the four seed, the two bookmaker favorites are gone. On the Women’s side, the three seed, the defending champion and the four seed are out. At Roland Garros, it’s anybody’s guess, just the way they planned it.

The rust was evident in the first set against Kazakh star Yaroslava Shvedova. Maria over-hit ground strokes, flailed at serves and often seemed out of place with long strides better suited for grass than with the shorter, quicker moves needed for clay.

After a 1-6 thumping in set one, Maria came out firing in set two. She broke in game 5 and rode the break to a 6-3 reversal squaring the match. Suddenly, Sharapova had Yaorslava on the run from side to side and pinned deep behind the baseline.

To her credit, Yaroslava hung on. In a match with serious repercussions for a berth in the semis, Shvedova used an effective two-handed backhand down the line to stave off the grunting Grand Slam winner and former number one.

Sharapova’s shoulder remains a concern. Her usually reliable first serve was missing today at Roland Garros. The Russian star double faulted 11 times. That statistic is cause for concern and not typical of Grand Slam semifinalists.

Maria found a way to compensate for her service woes. By controlling the tempo and the court noise, Maria set herself firmly in control of play. From the start of set two, Maria struck 26 outright winners. Additionally, her ability to move Yaroslava around the court took a toll on the Kazakh’s serve.

By the end of the match, Yaroslava’s first serve was clocked at a mere 90 mph. As the match began to slip away, Yaroslava seemed to become tentative. Maria broke to go up 5-4 in set three.

After faulting the first serve of the key 10th game, Sharapova took a moment to gather herself. Her focus became clear. Suddenly, this match was all about the leggy blonde and her ability to put contenders away. She promptly rattled off four winners and the match was finished.

Many of the big names are experiencing first set tremors. Venus never recovered from hers. Elena Dementieva won when Jelena Dokic retired. The competition only gets better from here. Round four winners can ill afford to come out flat. It would bee unlike Maria to make the same mistake twice. Today was another good mental exercise for a shining star the tour could use.

Venus never got started, never got untracked and failed to mount one of her characteristic comebacks. Fans expected a rally, but the majority cheered Agnes’s total effort.

The first set, 6-0 drubbing took just 30 minutes. Agnes did not overpower Venus, she simply outpatienced her and made the most of her break opportunities. The pretty blonde captured 5 of her 10 break points, while Venus capitalized on 1 of her 2 chances.

In the second set, Venus scored a break and the gallery shifted uneasily suspecting the worst for Szavay. But, Agnes broke back to even the set at 4-4 and then held convincingly. The petite powerhouse offered a pronounced fist-pump with the hold at 5-4.

Venus could not match the Hungarian’s passion. She faltered badly in the final game, misplaying two critical shots. Szavay carried the play winning 64 total points to just 44 by her opponent. Agnes rarely goes to the net but managed to win 5 of 6 charges. Venus lost 7 of her 12 net plays.

Williams makes a living returning serve, but today Agnes had the answers. Venus could only win 35% of her returns while the Hungarian photographer’s dream won a surprising 54% of her return points.

Prior to Roland Garros, Szavay’s 2009 won-lost record stood at 11-11. Her career singles record is just 70-53 compared to Williams’ 516-125 match record and $22.7 million in earnings. On this day, it was two women playing to win. Szavay gained strength with the ease of her first set dominance and carried the play right at Williams.

The bouncy blonde’s forehand gained power as she tracked every ball. Williams began to gamble and could not out-hit her younger competitor. Agnes’s second serve was more effective than Williams as she averaged 143 KMH on her seconds and 160 KMH on her first serves.

Williams was gracious in defeat. She is a proud credit to the game. The shorter Szavay seemed to navigate the court with ease while Williams’s long strides left her lunging and watching passed balls.

The 29th seed’s victory opens up the lower half of the upper bracket. Analysts like Sharapova’s chances, but on this surface and with this monumental win, Agnes should not be overlooked. Ooo La La Agnes!

If you know tennis, you know Jelena Dokic. The tennis tour is filled with players who worked their way up through the ranks. The WTA is filled with women who put everything aside to hone their game. Some of these players rise to the top while others labor on backcourts or on satellite tours, awaiting their day in the sun.

Jelena Dokic was born to play tennis. She is graceful, athletic, well—muscled and deft. In 2002, she was at the top of her game. In 2006, she shocked the world and left the game. Just four years after attaining a number 4 ranking in singles in 2002 and a number 10 ranking in doubles, Jelena turned her back on the game she loved.

Jelena Dokic had demons. Most of those demons were caused by her Serbian father, trainer and manager, Damir Dokic, who was jailed for thirty days on May 7, 2009. It seems Damir Dokic has threatened the Australian Ambassador. Many people feel he is where he belongs.

Jelena left tennis and left her father for personal reasons, which have later been described as abusive treatment. Now a citizen of Australia, Jelena was welcomed back to the game she left by the crowds in Melbourne. She surprised the field by reaching the quarter-finals.

Since January, her play has been erratic. The pretty blonde has worked hard on finding her serve and increasing her velocity. At Roland Garros today, Jelena Dokic stood on the verge of her greatest upset since her return to the game.

After breezing (6-2) through the first set against fourth-seeded and heavy favorite Elena Dementieva, Jelena appeared to have the match in hand. The fans were at a feverish pitch, cheering, coaxing, encouraging the upset.

At 2-3, her lower-back pain began to show. Her movements lost their flow. Her ball toss was labored. The crowd shifted uncomfortably.

At 3-4, she could not play on. At 3-4, Jelean Dokic retied her match against the 4th best player in the world. The gloomy Paris sky was darker, the crowd stunned and Jelena Dokic was crestfallen.

Tennis players suffer those public moments of pain and disappointment. Tennis players, cry, scream, become hostile, become emersed in the heat of the battle. Jelena’s public moment seemed more. And, the crowd knew it. The crowd wanted her to finish, to win her match of matches. It is impossible to root against Jelena Dokic.

Jelena is courageous. Another day, another time she will get her win and rise from the depths of her 74 ranking. Jelena is too talented, too courageous to be mired in the back of the pack. Jelena Dokic is a winner.

If she loses a match here or there, we will not complain. You see, Jelena has won over our hearts. We stand with her. There is a bit of us in her story. Play another day Jelena. Grace us!

Venus Holds On

The big seeds have survived Round 2. Fourth seeded, Elena Dementieva was in the fight of her life when Australian Jelena Dokic was forced to tearfully retire with a strained lower back muscle.

Third-seeded Venus Williams looks great. She’s appears as fit as ever and covers the court with ease. The problem for Venus is that the new youngsters see the oft-time Grand Slam Champion as fair game. In Round Two, svelte Czech Lucie Safarova took dead aim at Williams and gave her a three set match to remember. Venus rallied after losing the first-set tiebreaker, overcame a third-set match point and held on in the third for a tight 6-7 (5), 6-2, 7-5 triumph.

The performance of the day belongs to Jelena Jankovic, who stormed out of the gate and past Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova 6-1, 6-2 in a quick one-hour tune-up for Round 3. As usual, Jankovic does not lose to players she should beat. Jelena appears strong and without distraction. Next up is another Australian, Jarmila Groth, who powered her way past Mariana Duque Marino, 6-2, 7-6 (9).

As she did in Australia, Serena Williams silenced her critics and let it be known the game is on. Serena brought her big game out and cruised by Spain’s Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-2, 6-0.

In a tournament where the unexpected is expected, the fireworks should soon begin on the women’s side. Upsets are looming and Venus’ quarter is loaded with underdog potential.