By Etienne Stekelenburg
February 5 2003

The promising Swiss teenager Myriam Casanova will meet Serena Williams in the second round at Gaz de France Open in Paris. The 17 year old Casanova, who frequently practised with compatriot Martina Hingis and recently coached by Hingis’ mother Melanie Molitor, defeated Barbara Schett from Austria. Myriam Casanova defeated Barbara Schett after fighting off two matchpoints for the Austrian in the second set. Casanova, who needed treatment for a slight thigh strain during her match, won her first round match 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Melanie Molitor is officially linked with Casanova as her coach along with her father. They practised together a lot in November and December and Casanova will call Molitor about her match against Serena Williams. She realises her chances of winning against Serena are slim but also a big chance to finally play one of the Williams sisters. “I am going to enjoy it and do my best” the 53rd ranked Swiss player said.