Three weeks ago, I picked Jennifer Capriati to win the title in ESPN The Magazine and see no reason to change my opinion so far. She faces Serena Williams in the quarterfinals for what should be a tough matchup.
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Former WTA Tour pro Pam Shriver is providing ESPN.com with in-depth analysis throughout the French Open. Shriver, a tennis analyst for ESPN, reached a high ranking of No. 3 in singles play. She won 21 singles and 112 doubles titles, including 22 Grand Slams. |
If it comes down to a semifinal between Capriati and Martina Hingis, whoever wins that match will win the title. The other semifinal could be an all-Belgian one if Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin both advance.
A lot of great young teen-agers have taken advantage of the open bottom half of the draw with the loss of Lindsay Davenport before play started and Venus Williams going out in the first round. When the draw opens up, you've got to be ready to take advantage of it, and these players have.
Martina Hingis (1), Switzerland, vs. Francesca Schiavone, Italy
In any other year, it would be considered an automatic Hingis win. She's not as automatic as she once was, but you've got to go with her. Schiavone had a good clay-court season, so she'll be loose. Expect her to give Hingis a fight. Edge: Hingis
Jennifer Capriati (4), United States vs. Serena Williams (6), United States
Give Capriati the edge over Williams, but not a big one. Capriati is more confident in the big matches as she's shown in her recent play by winning the Australian Open and taking the title on clay at the Family Circle Cup. She also defeated Serena Williams at the Ericsson Open. Williams is certainly playing well. However, Capriati is slightly more comfortable on clay, and she slides to the ball better. Edge: Capriati
Kim Clijsters (12), Belgium, vs. Petra Mandula, Hungary
The unknown Mandula's run will end. Young Clijsters is making progress, and with each month she gets better. I think she's going to get to her first semifinal in a major. Edge: Clijsters
Lina Krasnoroutskaya, Russia, vs. Justine Henin (14), Belgium
This is a toss-up match. The surface favors Krasnoroutskaya, but Henin is a slightly better player. So give a fraction of an advantage to Henin. Edge: Henin