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.

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.

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.

The Men’s Draw

The Men’s Draw for Roland Garros has some intriguing matchups. With four consecutive French Open titles, Spaniard Rafael Nadal is the top seed. If number 8 seed Fernando Verdasco can toe the line, the two fierce competitors will meet in the quarters. A replay of the five set Melbourne Marathon would be a tournament organizer’s dream-come-true.

Andy Murray is seeded third but will host a tough semi-final challenge from either Nadal or Verdasco. Murray will most likely meet home-standing Gilles Simon in the quarters while Simon will first have to dispose of Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller.

Second-seeded Roger Federer tops the lower half of the draw. Fresh off his Madrid clay court championship, Switzerland’s star will have to work to get past third round opponent James Blake of the USA.

A win over Blake could pair Federer with another American, sixth seeded Andy Roddick in the quarters. The hard playing Roddick has not fared well in Paris and will have his hands full with France’s own Gael Monfils before reaching the quarters.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, who gave Nadal a match to remember in Madrid, has peaked for Roland Garros. Seeded fourth, Djokovic will most likely square away with Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarters, but Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France stands in the way. The top half of the lower draw is an upset-waiting-to happen.

One Handicapper’s View

A great draw! Not Nadal’s favorite. We like Verdasco to do the unthinkable and turn Nadal away from his fifth consecutive French Open title. There is no love lost between these two and this time Verdasco gets it done.

It is almost too easy to say that Murray will beat himself yet again, but he will. We like Fernando Gonzalez of Chile to do something surprising, but Czech Radek Stepanek is well suited for this event.

In the lower draw, Federer will fall, if not to Blake or Roddick, certainly to Djokovic. Paris continues to turn Roger away.

Novak Djokovic gets past Tsonga and moves on to the finals before winning the title. The big Serb’s time has come!

The Women’s Draw

Top seed Dinara Safina should emerge to meet popular 8th seed and former champion Ana Ivanovic in the quarters. Spain’s Suarez-Navarro will test Safina in round three.

Venus Williams will be noble but will be pressured in the quarters by Russian Vera Zvonareva, who will have to overcome teammate Nadia Petrova who has to deal with yet another great champion and teammate Maria Sharapova.

Serena Williams will have to work, but she should reach the quarters where Svetliana Kuznetsova will be waiting. In the upper half of the lower draw fifth seed Jelena Jakovic is getting a lot of media play. However, fourth- seeded Elena Demetieva is the better player and may go the distance.

One Handicapper’s View

Safina will not live up to her billing. In fact, if she gets to the quarters, she will fall to Ivanovic who will meet either Venus or Zvonareva in the semis. Either way, Dinara will not make finals. If Ivanovic serves, she gets to finals.

We see Serena reaching semis but falling to fourth-seeded and eventual champion Elena Dementieva who blows past Jankovic, Williams and Ivanovic to capture her first Grand Slam.

Elena is fit, tough, ready for the big stage and will be a great champion.

What better place to get to know them, to see their dreams unfold, than in Paris, where every dream can come true. So, get out of your comfort zone, let your heart wander just a bit and get on back there to those other courts where the dreamers are agonizing over the next shot, the next point and the next game en route to a career. The kids are back there. They have talent. They have game. All they need is you, one of you at a time and soon they too will be on center court. And, you, well, you will always be able to say you knew them then… when they were back there… trudging through Roland Garros, where dreams can come true.

Melanie Oudin

Melanie Oudin

Youthful, competitive, talented and just plain heart grabbing, Melanie Oudin is a player to watch. She is destined for greatness. She is likable. She is gorgeous and has a great big heart. She plays with passion and minds her tennis manners. Melanie Oudin is worth watching, worth leaving your seat to see.

At 17 years young, this right-handed fireball will be playing her way into the Open. As she did in the Australian Open, she will get there. In Melbourne, she gutted her way through the qualifying rounds before losing a hard-fought first round match that she would probably win today.

Melanie has a clay court game. Currently ranked 123 on the tour, the Marietta Georgia native’s star is about to rise.

Her career earnings are $132,000 and her 2009 earnings stand at $54,000. She turned professional last year and participated at the U.S. Open. This is her third Grand Slam event.

If you are smart, you will follow Melanie. Get out of your chair and head on back there, where the early action is. Little Melanie will win your heart, surprise you with her exuberance and leave you in awe of what you just witnessed.

Michaella Krajicek

Michaella Krajicek

Tennis fans already flock to watch Michaella play. A strong candidate for “best in dress,” the striking star hailing from the Netherlands recently celebrated her 20th birthday. Amazingly, she has been playing professional tennis for seven years. This is her first Grand Slam of 2009, but her 14th since 2005.

Tennis fans have watched her blossom into the statuesque, brilliant and glamorous athlete that she has become. Michaella is one of those gifted athletes and persons who would be good at anything. Tennis is just her current choice, but watch out modeling and hello Hollywood.

The world’s 128th ranked player is a busy gal. If you are in Paris, make a point to watch Michaella play. You’ll be back!

Last year, the sporty right-hander reached the third round at Roland Garros. She followed up that performance by reaching the quarters at Wimbledon before losing in the second round in New York.

Michaella has won more than $1 million in her career, but just $31,000 in limited play this season. She has the demeanor to score on clay and with a break in the draw, she could easily surpass last year’s performance. Michaella is a handful. Do yourself a favor and get out for the warm-up!

Yung-Jan Chan

Yung-Jan Chan

Okay, so she’s tiny, only 19 years old and has reached the second round in Grand Slam events just twice. That’s right. But, she has earned more than $1 million on the tour and a comfortable $49,000 this year.

Yung-Jan’s career is doing fine, thank you. She is progressing. Her two second round Grand Slam appearances were the last two tournaments she entered.

Yung-Jan is a good tennis player. She is the world’s 85th ranked player and she has been playing professional tennis since 2004. Yung-Jan is an accident waiting to happen for some favorite having a bad day, or who is just a hair off her game or who is looking past the pesky dynamo.

Yung-Jan is worth watching. Like her game, she does not go away. On the Roland Garros clay, she will chase shots down, hit spectacular drop shots and high lobs and then crush a two-handed backhand deep down the line. Wake up! Yung-Jan is on the court and on her game!

Maria Kirilenko

Maria Kirilenko

When 22-year-old Maria Kirilenko reached the 4th round of the Australian Open in 2008, it seemed her career was on track to become the next great Russian female player. She sure has the look, tall, blonde, legs that don’t quit, but something has gone awry.

Maria is in a slump. Her Grand Slam performances have fallen off. After a 2nd round exit in Paris a year ago, she has failed in the first round of the last three Grand Slams.

Maria is the 47th ranked professional. She has earned more than $2 million since 2001 and has earned $78,000 this season in singles and another $75,000 in doubles. Her career singles record is 136-123. That’s right, 136 wins.

Maria makes a living with tennis. The tour likes her. The fans like her. She may be headed to a career in doubles but we hope not. Maria is one breakthrough singles win away. Just one slip by an opponent, one break one lucky bounce from erupting. She has savvy, moxy and potential.

Maria is some lucky agent’s dream come true. Go a bit out of your way and watch one of Maria’s matches in Paris. It won’t be your last.

Marina Erakovic

Marina Erakovic

The 80th ranked WTA player hails from New Zealand. Marina turned professional in 2006. She played in her first Grand Slam events last year. Life on the tour has been an adjustment for the slender blonde.

After her 3rd round defeat at Wimbledon in 2008, Marina reached an enviable 49th ranking. He r career earnings are just $389,000, but she has earned $53,000 this season.

Marina was pleased with her performance at Melbourne. Although she lost in the 2nd round, Marina was competitive. Clay is her surface of choice and, barring an unfortunate draw, we look for Marina to reach the third round in Paris.

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.

Rafael Nadal

Has there ever been a more prohibitive favorite in any Grand Slam event ever than Rafael Nadal is in this year’s French Open? In any sport, ever, has there ever been another 4/11 favorite in a major championship?

Nadal has been so dominant and so overwhelming on clay that despite last weekend’s final match 4-6, 4-6 loss to Roger Federer, he has been installed as a shocking 4/11 bookmaker favorite. Nadal is in the unusual position of being a predominant favorite and a bad bet for the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris.

On paper, he has the credentials. On the court, he has the game. In front of the media, the muscular, 22 year old Spaniard has the answers, the confidence and the air of a champion. Rafael Nadal is clearly the best tennis player on the planet and on the red clay of Paris, he seems unbeatable.

With more than $24 million in career earnings, with more than $4 million 2009 earnings under his belt and with the last 4 French Open titles in his trophy case, Nadal will celebrate his 23rd June 3rd birthday during the May 24th – June 7th tournament. He would love to spoil the party by taking home the Coupe de Mousquetaires and the handsome check that goes alongside.

The feisty Spaniard is looking to capture leg two of this year’s Grand Slam after his impressive triumph in Melbourne. Even though the favorite lost in Madrid, he has impressed bookmakers and tennis experts with his 33 consecutive clay court wins and his 150 – 5 career record on clay. Nadal has not lost a match in four years at Roland Garros and as he prepares to pursue his fifth consecutive French Open title, the question is who will wrest the championship from him.

Roger Federer

Buoyed by his win in Madrid, Switzerland’s star seems more confident than in the past. Not that a winner of 13 Grand Slam tournaments needs a boost in confidence, but it is clear that Nadal’s success is wearing thin on the Swiss magician. Federer overcame tough opposition in reaching the finals at Melbourne and in the Australian heat put everything he had on the table in the finals. The loss seemed to take an emotional toll on the 11 year Grand Slam veteran.

Rather than pullback, Federer has worked hard on his game. He now boasts a heart-stopping drop shot that could well be the key to his success in Paris. The courts in Madrid were faster than the courts at Roland Garros, but clay is clay and a championship trophy deserves to be raised high.

With more than $46 million in career earnings and with $2 million banked this season, Federer knows what he has to do. All Grand Slam events are physically challenging and filled with distractions, but here is one player who has been there before. With one more Grand Slam championship, he will rise above Pete Sampras and claim the most Grand Slam Trophies of any player ever.

In addition to his 5 U.S. Open Championships, 5 Wimbledon Championships and 3 Australian Championships, Federer would like nothing more than to capture his first Trophy at Roland Garros. Roger’s resume also sports 5 Grand Slam Runnerup trophies.

Not bad for the bookmaker’s 13/2 second choice. Federer is ready and is playing and practicing to win. Second place is not good enough this time around.

Novak Djokovic

This year the bookmakers like the number three seed. Also at 13/2 the tall Serb has come a long way since Australia, where he received plenty of criticism for withdrawing during his fourth round match. Analysts have long questioned Djokovic’s will to win, but his skills and potential have long been admired.

With the 2008 Australian Open in hand, Djokovic has a Grand Slam title to his credit and since 2007 he has reached the semis or finals 6 times. His big serve and powerful ground strokes make the big guy a threat, but his foot speed and endurance have never allowed him past the semis at Roland Garros.

Since the fiasco in Melbourne, Djokovic appears to have re-focused his game. In Australia, he appeared out-of-shape, out-of-heart and out-of-gas. Since then, he has improved each week. His four-hour marathon against Nadal at last week’s Madrid Masters was memorable, but as in so many of Novak’s memorable matches, the Serb came up short.

Djokovic needs a break-through win to unlock his vast earning potential and expand his trophy case. While clay is not his best surface, his Madrid performance suggests he is peaking at the right time.

Since 2005, Djokovic has won more than $12 million and this year has banked more than $1.7. The two-week Grand Slam schedule has never played to Djokovic’s hand. Analysts feel he is a weak 13/2 bet.

Andy Murray

Andy Murray is a fast court player with the serve, ground strokes and foot speed for grass and hard court success. Ever since his Runnerup finish at the U.S. Open, the world has been waiting for Murray to put his awesome shot- making skills together and emerge from the shadows of Nadal and Federer.

Bookmakers think he has a 10/1 chance to succeed. Avid tennis followers do not like his chances. Like his countrymen, tennis experts have been disappointed by Murray too many times and for too long.

The skills are there, the heart is there too, but there seems a self-destruct mode surrounding the Scotsman. Obscure points, momentary breakdowns and deep sulks always seem to get in the way with this guy. Sometimes Murray appears to be looking for a way not to win. Or, perhaps it is that Murray seems like he is looking for a way to pin his inability to win on some quirk of bad luck.

Over two weeks of Grand Slam competition, success has very little to do with luck. Grand Slam championships require two weeks of concentrated tennis. Winners get past the distractions, past the crowds, past the media coverage and on to the court with their best game in tact.

Murray has a 186 – 70 career won-lost record and a 31 – 5 year-to-date record. He is that good, he is that talented. With $7miilion in career earnings and with $1.7 million cashed in this year, 22 year-old Murray simply needs to get the game between his ears in line.

Fernando Verdasco

Ole! Can Fernando break through? He won the hearts at Melbourne, he is the world’s most improved player and he is the Horatio Alger of the 2009 season, but can he break through? Is clay his surface? Is Fernando a hard court specialist?

Bookmakers like him at 25/1, the gals love him on or off the court and the other players are now very aware of Fernando’s appeal and presence. 2009 seems like a hard earned dream for the Spaniard. Tennis enthusiasts would love to see a re-match of the stirring five-set Nadal-Verdasco matchup in Melbourne.

There is clearly no love lost between those two countrymen. Fernando has never escaped past the fourth round at Roland Garros, but he has never been in as good shape and played with such intensity as he has this season.

With $4 million in career earnings, Fernando is the bookmaker’s fifth seed and 8th ranked tour player. He is 23 – 8 this year, but his semi-final match in Australia has given his fans reason to expect a determined showing at Roland Garros.

Ole Fernando! All the way in Paris!