By Chris Davies
May 30 2003

Kim Clijsters, Lindsay Davenport and Venus Williams are the main contenders for the crown taking court for their third round all facing difficult matches (2) Kim Clijsters (BEL) v (30) Paola Suarez (ARG)

Clijsters first proper test is against this feisty Argentian who is seeded 30 and also a very difficult opponent considering she has been raised on the red clay and knows how to use the service to full use. This will not be an easy ride for the Belgian who will be fully prepared for anything Suarez will put her way and should start to pick her game up to an even higher level ready for her progression into the second week where matches will be of an higher nature.

Clijsters will be on top of her game and proving to the rest of the draw she is looking for her first Slam and is might capable of doing so. Clijsters in straight sets and a fast win moving past the round she lost last year!


(26) Silvia Farina Elia (ITA) v (3) Venus Williams (USA)

Venus was very unimpressive in her last match surprisingly losing a set to Evie Dominikovic and if she isn't careful against Farina Elia there will only be one Williams left in the draw. The Italian 26th seed has been impressive this week after coming off her third consecutvie Strasbourg title last week will be a huge threat to the 3rd seed who has not won a title since Antwerp in February. OK Farina Elia won't match the power of Venus but her crafty shots can catch out the American powerhouse causing her to become rattled then causing unforced errors.

But I still think Venus will advance in straight sets or possibly three sets!


(6) Lindsay Davenport (USA) v Nathalie Dechy (FRA)

This match will be a very hard hitting and fought match with both players having big serves and big groundstrokes. Dechy a couple weeks ago did challenge Jennifer Capriati in their encounter at the German Open and also Serena Williams at the Italian Open in the first sets but fell away in the second set losing pretty comfortable. Davenport's movement is not her strongest asset and Dechy will be trying to move around the 6 foot 6th seed around as much as possible catching her off balance and leaving the court open for winners.

Lindsay will be up against it but will progress after a scrappy match as she done against Tulyaganova she'll wipe away Dechy in the second!