| DISSECTING THE 2008 FRENCH OPEN - WOMEN
Remember Maria Sharapova's "I Feel Pretty" ad campaign? She probably has never felt more pretty than after she looked at her draw. 4 of the 5 most likely winners of this year's French Open are in the bottom half of the draw. Serena, Venus, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic will all battle for a spot in the finals, while Maria will have to get through the likes of Anna Chakvetadze and Elena Dementieva. Great players, sure - but they're not the Williams sisters. Let's take a look at the draw.
First Quarter:
Maria may have some trouble with Dinara Safina in the round of 16, but she is healthy and hungry to win the last Grand Slam that has escaped her grasp. I like her to get through comfortably in this quarter.
Pick: Maria Sharapova
_______________________
Second Quarter
Really wide open. Anna Chakvetadze, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Agnes Szavay are the favorites, but its really anyones game. I'm going with Justine Henin - she predicted a Svetlana Kuznetsova victory this year. That's good enough for me to take her to make it through to the semis.
Pick: Svetlana Kuznetsova
_______________________
Third Quarter
Jelena Jankovic is coming off a win in Rome, and is the highest seed in this quarter. Waiting for her is the talented young French woman Alize Cornet, as well as the seasoned French player Amelie Mauresmo, and of course, Venus Williams. Venus at her best can take Jankovic, but anything less than that and Jankovic will wear her down. I think Venus is up for the challenge ... and makes it through.
Pick: Venus Williams
_______________________
Fourth Quarter
Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic are the big names here ... and they are two of the biggest hitters in tennis. I like last year's finalist Ana Ivanovic chances ... she is focused and disciplined, and was much better than everyone at the French last year - except for Justine Henin. With Henin out this year, I think Ana will have another nice run.
Pick: Ana Ivanovic
______________________
So in the semifinals it will be Maria vs. Svetlana, and Venus vs. Ana. I like Svetlana getting the best of Maria, and Venus taking out Ana Ivanovic. In the end, Venus Williams out hits Svetlana and takes the title.
Ace McClay eats members of Mensa for breakfast. Like his picks? Hate them? Email me here
|