This past week and weekend was one of the most action packed and craziest both the ATP and WTA tours have seen in a while, including a “somewhat” surprising loss by Roger Federer and a surprising, yet welcome run by Ana Ivanovic in Rome. Rather than give a blow by blow account of everything, here are the highlights.
What Did We Learn on the WTA Tour This Week?
– Ana Ivanovic can still play tennis.
– Serena Williams is not Justine Henin.
– You Can Serve and Volley and Win a Clay Event.
– That Justine Henin is a Not a Shoo-In for Paris.
Instead of bringing order to what had been a rather clear-cut WTA clay court season, this week’s Italian Open instead brought more confusion as to who is a clear favorite for Paris. Jelena Jankovic’s fine run to the finals after taking out both Williams sisters was overshadowed somewhat by the bigger story of fellow Serbian Fed Cup teammate Ana Ivanovic’s semifinal run after almost two years of sub-par play. Although both Serbians lost to eventual, if not surprise, champion Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez , it was good to see Ivanovic back in form. If that form holds up remains to be seen but at least her new coach Heinz Gunthardt should be considered for coach of the year after finally figuring out the nightmare that was Ivanovic’s serve.
Speaking of nightmares, that’s how one could describe Svetlana Kuznetsova’s clay court season so far. After dominating in 2009, this year the Russian has lost early in Stuttgart, Rome and just yesterday in Madrid. With no form to speak of, it’s highly unlikely she will defend her French Open title. Finally, today’s surprising defeat of Justine Henin to the crafty French player Aravane Rezai in their opening round match in Madrid poses real questions now on how fit the Belgian is going into Paris. After her 4-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss, Henin cited she was suffering from mild flu symptoms since Stuttgart, and although she’s expected to recover, the odds on her winning her fifth French Open title probably dipped a bit.
What Did We Learn This Week on the ATP Tour?
– Roger Federer’s Loss In Estoril Isn’t a Panic Sign, Yet.
– Novak Djokovic’s Breathing Problems Haven’t Gone Away.
– American Guys Can Play on Clay.
Although the biggest story of the week for the men was Federer’s somewhat shocking loss in the Estoril semifinals to Albert Montanes, I use the word “somewhat” as the pattern from the last few months of Federer not finding a way to win matches when given a winning position is becoming a trend now, and not just a momentary blip on his 2010 season. Sure if Federer does well in Madrid this week, then all will be forgotten, but if he loses early again, then you really have to wonder what his chances will be for the French Open in two weeks time.
Meanwhile in Belgrade, two different stories emerged that could also portend how Roland Garros will shape up. Novak Djokovic retired in his quarterfinal match there due to allergy issues and then pulled out of Madrid which almost assures Rafael Nadal the No. 2 ranking. Djokovic, aside from his title win in Dubai, has had a lackluster 2010, and after seemingly being the man to beat at the end of last year, he’s got to figure out his own health issues along with his serve if he wants to have a chance in Paris. Meanwhile it was nice to see two Americans finally challenge for a clay court title with Sam Querrey just edging out fellow doubles partner John Isner 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 for the Serbia Open title. They may not even be darkhorses going into Paris, but their play this week certainly proves they are ones to watch for the rest of the year.
Finally, a big get well soon shout out to Juan Martin Del Potro who had wrist surgery this week and is expected to be out of action for three to six months. Let’s hope his recovery is on the sooner end as the game is not the same without the “Tower from Tandil”.
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