Early Encounter

What a third-round match up.

Venus Williams, arguably one of the most talented women players of all time, takes on up-and-comer Jelena Jankovic, the Serb seeded fourth, who seems poised to make her first bold statement at a major.

Such a match-up could mean both things for these two women: a chance at re-claiming glory for Venus and the opportunity to strike Grand Slam gold for Jankovic.

The last time these two met in the third-round of a slam was just last year, when Jankovic de-throned Ms. Williams as defending Wimbledon champion. This time around? I'm sticking with J-squared here, she's my pick to win the whole thing.

The reason I like Jankovic over Venus at this point is not only her relentless consistency, but her ability to play the entire court so well. She weathered an incredible Venus storm in Charleston. If anything, fast forward to the last two minutes of this video, it's great women's tennis:



They're up first on Chatrier. Hopefully the French will arrive early to see such a show.

Clip of the Week: Table Work

Table tennis is always a game I've admired. Never one I've been able to play.

This rally is Federer-Nadal-esque. I love the cartwheel mid-way through one player's scrambling. Classic.

And the First to Five Is...

The first woman to win five matches at this year's French Open is Ioana Raluca Olaru.

Yes. The famous IRO.

Miss Olaru came through the qualifying tournament, dropping just one set in three matches to draw Julia Vukalenko, the 30th seed, in the opening round.

Olaru would down Vukalenko in straights, and followed that win up with another - her fifth of the tournament - a 6-3 6-0 drubbing of Tatiana Poutcheck.

The 18-year-old is from Romania. She reached her highest career ranking this past week, topping out at 122 in the world. Olaru has already been to two WTA semifinal this year, breaking through at Memphis in February (losing to Venus in the semis) and then again in Fes just a few weeks ago. She came through the qualies at both those events.

A semifinal here, too? She'll have to get through Ivanovic next.

Any relation?

Ouch (To the 8th Power)

It was a blue day for the American men on the red stuff.

My favorite part is James Blake's optimism:
"It's no secret we haven't done that great on clay this year," Blake said, "but I think we have the ability."

A for ability James. F for follow-through on the ability.

Until next year Yanks, au revior!

Ouch

Another early exit for Andy.

On to Wimbledon, right?

Dirt-y Questions (Part Three): The Back Story...Is it Always This Dramatic?

Ashley Harkleroad.

Who knew a girl could dig up so much drama?

After a successful 2003 campaign (at the age of 18), Harkleroad has teetered between top-50 greatness and mid-100s journeywoman. But the back story is what keeps this girl interesting.

I wonder, is there something about the game of tennis - the way youngsters (especially girls) are pushed so hard to be so competitive at a young age? We saw it with Patty Schnyder: after a tremendous 1998, Schnyder sort of fell off her rocker, dumping her coach and dating/training with a so-called guru.

Is there a pattern here?

Perhaps Harkleroad is just finding her way. But, for all intents and purposes, dating a coach probably isn't the best idea. Dating your coach certainly isn't, either.

Oh yeah, and Harkleroad plays Venus in round two. Any boyfriend advice there?

The French Open Series

I do like the humor that people have.

A comedic start to what should be a fun French.

Early Start, Little Progress

Not much tennis was played on Day One of the French Open.

Rain halted many matches and forced tournament organizers to push first-round matches to Monday.

Justine Henin, Marat Safin and Serena Williams were among those who were able to sneak their way past not only Mother Nature, but pesky opponents to book their places in round two of the year's second major.

Williams, opening play against Tsvetana Pironkova, the teenager who stunned sister Venus in the first round of last year's Australian Open, struggled to a 5-7 6-1 6-1 win.

If anything, both Justine and Serena will build on their wins. The rest of the field must wait another day to get their feet dirty.

Safin's opening-day victory is something I'm not too surprised by. I see the Russian going far in this tournament. He's (as usual) had some up and down results as of late, but was instrumental in the Russian Davis Cup win a month ago (a confidence builder) and no doubt will gain momentum (mentally and physically) as he racks up the Ws.

Greg Garber had this interesting take on the contemporary Marat.

Here Goes Nothing...

The French is just hours away.

Let's hope my picks aren't way off.

Men

Women

Drawn Together

The Serena Williams-Justine Henin saga continues.

After the release of the French Open draws late this week, the two grand slam champs are scheduled to meet in the quarterfinals of the year's second major.

Both players have had quite the year - Serena winning at the Aussie and Nasdaq 100, Justine making her surge later in the year and claiming three titles. Their only meeting this year didn't disappoint, as Williams came back (via a friendly net cord) to win the Nasdaq 0-6 7-5 6-3 in dramatic fashion.

The rivalry continues.

Though I picked Jankovic to win the open (she'll have to get through Venus in the 3rd round to do so) it will be a battle of confidence among these three women to see who can come out on top.

Serena has a difficult opening couple of rounds, but if she can get through those and find herself in the final eight, she is as good as anyone - including Justine - even on clay.

And for the petite Belgium it is not only time to defend her crown, but to establish herself as a force on the women's tour this year. She missed out on the Aussie due to personal conflict, and is certainly as hungry as anyone to win the title.

Another hand incident? Hostile crowd? Maybe not.

But the drama will sure be there, let's hope the high-quality tennis is, too.