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!

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.

India’s doubles starlet, Sania Mirza, Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic, the overlooked reigning French Champion and Russian comeback beauty and former world number one, Maria Sharapova all took the court at the same time. It just does not get any better than that!

Ivanovic was on the Phillipe Chartier Center Court, while Sharapova challenged Number 11 seed and fellow country-mate Nadia Petrova on Court Suzanne Lenglen and Sania quietly took her specialty doubles skills over to court 9.

Sharapova’s match against her steady, experienced Russian counterpart glowed with upset potential but reeked of possible disappointment. With Ana, the gorgeous defending champ and latest Fernando Verdasco squeeze, you never know what to expect. The fitness babe is only as good as her inconsistent serve.

For those who prefer doubles, Mirza is always worth a look. Sania never fails to bring a competitive grace to the doubles court. Day four at Roland Garros was no exception.

Amazingly, all three beauties won. All three provided great play along with popular results and pretty special attire. On Day Four at Roland Garros, the French got just what they wanted, and more!

At 6 foot 2 inches, Maria’s return to tennis has been much anticipated following her successful shoulder surgery. The blonde beauty has trained hard and carefully for this particular Grand Slam, the only Slam event missing from her $12 million resume.

Distracted by multiple career possibilities, some fans thought Maria’s tennis days might be over. The champion who is third in current player career earnings has withdrawn from many events in the past year and when she recently dropped out of a tune-up in Madrid, her fans feared for the worst.

Maria now finds herself well-positioned in the draw. After starting slowly in her first round match against Anastassiya Yakimova, Maria seemed to find a groove. She rode that groove through the first set against Petrova cruising to an easy 6-2 advantage.

Her play was controlled, the serve steady, if not brilliant, and her court presence seemed to overwhelm her shorter foe. However, Petrova knows how to win. Nadia is the world’s 11th seed and she has earned it the old fashioned way, on the court.

Nadia came out of the break with a vengeance, storming through the 6-1 second set in just 29 minutes. Sharapova’s lost her serve twice and her confidence appeared shaken. At the end of set two, Maria had 10 unforced errors compared to just 3 for Nadia.

But, Petrova’s reliable first serve had begun to wear thin. She would finish the match succeeding on just 58% of her first serves. With the exception of points won at the net, the two Russians finished in a statistical tie. At the net, Sharapova’s aggressive play resulted in 5 of 7 winning volleys. The tall right-hander won 41 of her 63 first serves compared to 36 of Petrova’s 51 first serves.

Petrova had numerous chances to put the third set away. She scored the first break at 2-2 and at 4-2 had a chance to break again to go up 5-2. But Sharapova knows how to fight, scratch and claw her way back. Always the lioness, the crowd favorite rose to the occasion and steadied the match. Maria not only held to get back to 3-4, she but broke to pull even at 4-4.

The two fired away at each other with Petrova holding the upper hand and Sharapova holding on. At 6-7, Petrova became unnerved by a first service call. She protested and then faulted again. At match point, she struck an uncharacteristically reckless forehand and Sharapova moved on.

Although not sharp, Maria now has two wins under her belt and her march to the quarters possibly matching her against a very beatable Venus Williams is a tournament organizer’s dream. Meanwhile, in Paris cafés, the word is out. O la,la, Maria!

Queen Ana

Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugam was no match for the defending champion of Roland Garros. The gal with the million-dollar smile, $7 million career earnings and “best physique” on the tour threw everything she had at the overmatched Thai in a quick one-hour match.

The 6-1, 6-2 Center Court face-off was not as close as the score. For those who have forgotten the queen, she is back, she likes clay and she has heart, a big heart. Ana loudly announced that the road to the throne would go through her.

A possible quarterfinal pairing with Dinara Safina does not appear a bad matchup for the Queen. Safina’s Grand Slam success is mediocre and despite Ivanovic’s service issues, she has the stamina to present a problem for anyone.

As her new and improved heartthrob, Fernando Verdasco, has discovered, life is better when the legs are strong and the training is sharp. Ana suffers the typical rock star distractions but seems to have found a good place with her very own Spanish rock star and current soul mate.

Against Tamarine, Queen Ana landed 76% of her first serves. Her velocity was good and she recorded 3 aces. Perhaps, her serve is back on track. If so, watch out world!

Ivanovic struck 32 outright winners and won 56% of her receiving points. In all, it was nice tune-up for round three.

Sania Sparkles – As Always

Make no mistake about it; Sania Mirza is a professional tennis player and champion. The 22-year old dark haired beauty is one of the survivors on the women’s circuit. This year little Sania has crafted an 8-7 singles record.

Singles is great training for Sania. She plays to win, but she also plays to improve her doubles play, which is how she gets the endorsements and pays the bills.

You see, Sania has a following. Way back there on those quieter courts, Sania pecks away in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, entering every event, scratching away at the castoffs from the noisier venues. Sania is a working girl, not a superstar, a realist really. Under the careful tutelage of teammate Mahesh Bhupathi, another doubles specialist, Sania has learned that it may not be all glory in the world of doubles, but there’s always something to do and someway to keep playing.

For those who watch the cheerful doubles expert go about her job, it is difficult not to root for her. She avoids the histrionics of the bigger names. Sania accepts her good play and tolerates her errors with grace. Her sportswomanship is unparalleled.

On Day Four, Sania and partner Chia Jund Chuang took Court Nine at Roland Garros. The two knew there was no better place to be, no better match to play. So, they enjoyed it.

74 minutes later, the twosome emerged victorious over Ipek Senmoglu and Yanina Wickmayer. It was a match Sania and Chia were supposed to win, a match that will not crop any headlines, a match that will not be forgotten or remembered. It was a first round women’s doubles match on the red clay of Roland Garros.

Why then was the gallery filled? Why then were people watching this match rather than watch, say Maria Sharapova or Ana Ivanoivc? Go see Sania play and you will understand. Whatever it is, Sania Mirza has it. Go see Sania play!

Day three will see 4th seeded Serb Novak Djokovic and Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Porto take to the red clay as well as France’s Gael Monfils and American James Blake.

On the Women’s side, Serena Williams (2), Svetlana Kuznetsova (7), Jelena Jankovic (5) and Elena Dementieva (4) will all be in action. At the top of the draw, the big names easily moved though round one. Maria Sharapova won in three sets to pave the way for an intriguing match up with 11th seeded country-mate Nadia Petrova.

Round one for both draws will be complete by the day’s end.

The possible quarterfinal battle between Spaniards Nadal (1) and 8th seeded Fernando Verdasco is on track after Fernando’s convincingly sharp 6-2, 6-1, 6-4, triumph over France’s Fiorent Serra. Verdasco’s serve was sharp and his groundstrokes penetrating as he won 75% of his first serves and recorded 15 aces. Verdasco stayed on the baseline as he took the net just three times during the quick, one hour 15 minute match.

Verdasco’s resurgence has thrown the tennis world into a state of turmoil. The feisty Spaniard stands on the precipice of greatness, one big win from center stage and one big loss from being bounced out of the top 10.

Always recognized as a talent who enjoyed the good life, Fernando’s reputation came under more scrutiny when he began to date tennis hot babe Ana Ivanovic. The couple makes for a photographer’s dream but their games were headed down a treacherous path.

Over the winter season, Verdasco decided to do something about his floundering career. Fernando went back to his mentor of 20 years ago, tennis fitness guru Gil Reyes of Las Vegas. Reyes put Verdasco on a demanding training routine that had a heavy emphasis on endurance and specifically on his leg strength.

In Melbourne, Verdasco’s game and career took a change in direction. Trailing the pre-tourney favorite and third-seeded, Andy Murray, by two sets, Fernando rallied to upset the Scotsman.

Next, Fernando blasted past the 2008 Australian Open runner-up, Jo-Wilfied Tsonga. The upsets landed Fernando in the semi-finals against country-mate and fierce rival Rafael Nadal. The five set match was filled with spectacular points. Many tennis fans have called the match the greatest of the new generation. For close to five hours the two exchanged momentum, crushing shots and powerful serves.

In the end, Nadal won the match, but Verdasco won the hearts. He usually does. Roland Garros is filled with hope of a quarterfinal repeat. The Paris fans will have a difficult time choosing a favorite in the anticipated battle of Spaniards.

Dinara Safina

If ever the time was right for Dinara Safina, this is it. In Paris, the stage is set for the top-ranked female player in the world to break the ice and master a Grand Slam tournament. At 23 years of age and with seven years of professional experience, the husky Russian brunette needs a major championship to relieve the self-induced pressure that was so evident in Melbourne earlier this year.

After her convincing triumph on the clay in Spain, Dinara professed newfound confidence derived from her elevation to the world’s number one seed. Dinara has earned her ranking. The 6 foot 3 inch right-hander has career earnings of more than $7.3 million and year-to-date earnings of $1.8 million.

Dinara has the game, has the fame and has the power, but does she have the nerves to survive two weeks in the Roland Garros spotlight? At the French Open, wins take time. Points and games grind forward. Perseverance and patience win matches. In the past, these qualities have not been Dinara’s strong suits.

Safina cruised to the finals in the year’s first Grand Slam at Melbourne. Once again, she stared success and her lifelong dream in the eye. And, once again she collapsed in the glare. Dinara’s 2009 record stands at an impressive 28 wins and 6 losses while her career won – lost tally is 256 – 128. The numbers are fair, not great.

Of more concern is Dinara’s Grand Slam record. Aside from her runner-up finish in Melbourne, her best tournament was last year’s French Open where she lost in the finals to Ana Ivanovic.

Bookmakers like Dinara’s 2009 progress. She is fit, she is ready and she has been tabbed the early 7/2 favorite. In a little more than two weeks, the tennis world will know how much progress Dinara has made since Melbourne.

Jelena Jankovic

Jelena Jankovic

Jelena is another tour veteran who racks up points on the ATP circuit but who struggles in majors. The former number one is now ranked fifth on the tour and has been on the injured list for part of the season.

Jelena arrives at Paris with only $359,000 in earnings this year. And, the Serb’s Grand Slam record is less than impressive. Other than her runner-up finish at last year’s U.S. Open, Jelena has only reached the semis in a major in the 2006 U.S. Open.

Jelena has been working hard and her two-handed backhand should work well on the Roland Garros clay, but her endurance will be tested. Players will be keeping the ball in play and to see if Jelena can overcome her impatience and go the distance. Even when she was the world’s top seed, Jankovic did not fare well in the game’s biggest tournaments.

In Jankovic’s 8-year career, Jankovic only has one runner-up finish in her Grand Slam career. Her 2009 won-lost record is a modest 23 – 8 and her career 274 – 148 record is certainly not overwhelming.

It just may be Jelena’s lack of predictability that makes her dangerous. With the feisty Serb you never know what you might get. At 7/1, Jelena shares the role of bookmaker runner-up with two of the tour’s shining stars.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams

Forget that Roland Garros is slow, red clay. At 7/1, fashion and tennis guru Serena Williams is hard to bet against. With a resume that makes the other contenders look like pretenders, it seems like Queen Serena deserves a bye to the semis.

Serena has the distinction of having won all four Grand Slam Tournaments. Even the distinguished Roger Federer cannot make that claim. In all, Serena owns ten, count that, ten Grand Slam Championships amassed over her 11 years on the circuit.

Her career 411 – 87 won–lost record is equally impressive. This year, Serena stands at 21 – 6 and has earned $1.8 million. Her career earnings of $23.8 million exceed the combined career earnings of top three contenders. Wow! Now, those are championship numbers.

At 7/1, Serena looks even better. What could possibly be the problem? How could Serena not triumph over the field of pretenders? Serena like Paris. Perhaps she likes Paris a bit too much. Once a fashion queen, always a fashion queen.

The world’s current number two seed will both enjoy Paris and be a formidable obstacle for all would-be challengers. When the title was on the line in Melbourne, Serena played her best. That ability to seize the moment is what separates her from the other contenders. Far and away, the most experienced and successful Grand Slam Champion, the winner will have to go through the Queen.

Svetlana Kuznetsova

Svetlana Kuznetsova

Now, here is a challenger with some mettle. The frisky Russian with terrific foot speed and relentless groundstrokes is clearly a threat in Paris.

Svetlana Kuznetsova was a runner-up in 2006 at Paris and reached the semis last year.

The 24 year old is at the peak of her game and with her tenacious, never-say-die style is well suited to chase balls down and prolong points. Bookmakers have listed the nimble blonde at 7/1.

Svetlana has approached the 2009 season with renewed vigor and carries a 21-7 record. Her career won – lost record is an impressive 315 – 135.

At one time Svetlana was the world’s second ranked player, but began the year out of the top ten. She has gradually moved up the seeding chart and now stands at number 7. If Svetlana is knocked out in Paris, the winner will know she has been in a battle.

Ana Ivanovic

Ana Ivanovic

The Paris fans like Ana.

She looks good, caters to the crowd and is the defending champion. Last year, the gorgeous Serb was a finalist in Melbourne before winning the Suzanne Lenglen Cup.

Since her impressive 2008 start, Ana has suffered service inconsistencies and her meager 15-6 won-lost record illustrates the problem.

As good as Ana looks and as much as the crowds will be pulling for her, the bookmakers list the defending champ at 10/1.

The tour pros do not give Ana much of a chance. Her game face is lacking.

Perhaps it is the media attention, the endless photo shoots or a general lack of interest, but Ana is not the driven personality that seemed ready top claim Maria Sharapova’s role. In any case, she will draw the crowds and the majority will be men.