By Chris Davies
May 24 2003

The second Grand Slam begins Monday with everybody looking to dislodge the Williams final streak. TeamWTA.com preview the top 8 seeds and other dangerous opponents that could potentially cause upsets Seed Nationality

1 USA Serena Williams

Serena who has won the past 4 Grand Slams is back at Roland Garros to defend her title which she won last year by beating sister Venus in the final. Serena gained her number 1 ranking by winning this even has not won a clay court tournament this year losing to Justine Henin-Hardenne in the Family Circle Cup her first loss of the year and also to Amelie Mauresmo at the Italian Open. The biggest challenge for Williams will probably be if Venus reaches the semi-finals then the sisters will play in the semi-finals after Kim Clijsters broke their number 1 and 2 status.

2 Belguim Kim Clijsters

Kim has recently battled her way to the number 2 ranking dislodging Venus Williams from the position due to very good results this year. Clijsters has never won a Grand Slam title before but has reached the final of this one losing to Jennifer Capriati 12-10 in the final set. This year may be the Belgians year playing brilliant clay court tennis reaching 2 finals. First final she reached was German Open where she lost to compatriot Justine Henin-Hardenne after holding a set point, then week later she won the Italian Open beating Amelie Mauresmo. Clijsters will win the French Open title this year.

3 USA Venus Williams

Venus has reached the last 4 Grand Slam finals losing to sister Serena every time will be looking to salvage some of her pride and presence has a top tennis player which she has lost in recent months. Venus like Serena has not won a clay court title this year but reached the final at the J&S Cup in Poland falling to Amelie Mauresmo for the first time after pulling out due to a abdominal strain. The injury forced her to pull out of the German Open becoming a huge disadvantage to her having not had much clay court match practice she would have liked. This year I don’t think she will get has far has she did last year but maybe a quarter-final appearance will be her best this year.

4 Belguim Justine Henin-Hardenne

The Belgian number 2 is in superior form winning two clay court titles and becoming the first played to beat world number one Serena this year. There has been some doubt over whether the small Belgian can keep up her physical level for 2 weeks if she is ever going to win a Grand Slam. She answered her critics by gaining a lot more muscle and a lot more power, she has by far the best single handed backhand in the game which produces winners all over the court. Her volleys are also very good and her serve is becoming better with more power. Could be an all Belgian final but sadly they will be placed in same half of the draw due to their seedings. If she doesn’t win it then Clijsters will.

5. France Amelie Mauresmo

Mauresmo has won the J&S Cup this year playing fantastic tennis and has carried it through successfully reaching the final at Italian Open and the semi-finals at the German Open. The Frenchwoman has reached a Grand Slam final but different surface and unknown territory, this time she is in her own country with a lot of support from the French supporters. She will definetly be the biggest threat to the top 4 seeds with her playing one of them in the quarter-finals stage causing a big scalp.

6. USA Lindsay Davenport

Davenport isn’t a natural clay court played but has played well on the surface this year beating Jennifer Capriati in the semi-finals of Bausch and Lomb losing to Elena Dementieva in the final. Lindsay has reached the semi-finals of Roland Garros but realistically will never win this Slam which is the only one she has not won. The American who has risen back to top 5 in the world will be looking for a good run at this tournament with her powerful groundstrokes and big serve working well on the red clay.


7. USA Jennifer Capriati

One time winner of the French Open has not won a tournament since winning her second Australian Open crown back in January 2002. She came close last year and should have beaten Serena Williams in the semi-finals and this year she is more focused and mentally stronger. Capriati has slipped in ranking this past year but yet again could cause a huge scalp has her seeding will mean facing a top 4 player at the quarter-final stage. Watch out has Jennifer has something to prove this time around.

8. USA Chanda Rubin

Chanda’s results on clay has not been very good losing early on in all her events to much lower ranked opponents. Maybe clay is not her favourite surface and could lose very early this time around if she faces a tricky first round opponent. Rubin won’t challenge the top players this time round and will be looking forward to Wimbledon.

Dangerous Opponents:
Vera Zvonareva - up and coming new young Russian star has had big wins this year and contiunes her rise to the top 20. Big serve and power hitter.

Ashley Harkleroad - another young and rising star looking to prove a point.

Fabiola Zuluaga - The clay specialist has had big wins on the surface this year and has won her native tournament in Bogota.

Conchita Martinez - Has never won Roland Garros but has all the talent to beat anybody if she is in the right frame of mind.

Magui Serna - Another fantastic Spanish clay court specialist who has won 2 clay titles this year. Could be a huge danger to the top players especially in the early rounds.

Mary Pierce - One time winner will always be a threat to everybody with her powerful strokes and the fact the crowd will always be behind her.

Myriam Casanova - Looking to fill in the space of Martina Hingis who has briefly coached this youngster is the new generation of players. She will be looking to establish herself and she can stay with the big players stating that a few times this year already.