ESPN.com - French Open 2002 - Serena-Capriati a powerful matchup
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Thursday, July 17
Serena-Capriati a powerful matchup
By Mary Joe Fernandez

Mary Joe's Picks
Mary Joe Fernandez
Fernandez
Former WTA Tour pro Mary Joe Fernandez is providing ESPN.com with in-depth analysis during the French Open. Fernandez, a tennis analyst for ESPN, became the youngest player to win a U.S. Open match in 1985. In doubles, she won the '91 Australian Open, the '92 Olympic gold and the '96 French Open.

PARIS -- It was a great day of tennis on the women's side Tuesday. The best match at Roland Garros was Jennifer Capriati against Jelena Dokic. Capriati held on to win it 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.

Both Williams sisters looked in great form as they advanced to their first semifinal at this event.

It's nice to have a new face in the draw in Clarisa Fernandez. I'm happy that it's someone who shares my name: Fernandez.

Venus Williams (2), United States, vs. Clarisa Fernandez, Argentina
Venus is the heavy favorite over Fernandez.

Even though the Argentine upset No. 4 seed Kim Clijsters, Venus has too much experience. This is a huge match for Fernandez, who has never advanced out of the first round of a Grand Slam.

Venus simply has too much game, too much power and too much court coverage. She does everything better than her inexperienced opponent.
Pick: Venus

Serena Williams, United States, vs. Jennifer Capriati, United States
I'm looking forward to this classic matchup of two powerful, athletic players. But it's the tougher match to predict.

These two can both play streaky matches, but they always battle back. They've met three times this year -- at Scottsdale, Miami and Rome -- and Serena has won every time.

I've picked Serena all along, but it's going to be another close one as Capriati tries to defend her title.
Pick: Serena

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