Mauresmo keeps French hopes alive
Mauresmo keeps French hopes alive
By Araz Gulekjian
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Third seeded Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo set up a quarter final clash with
Russian Elena Dementieva after her 6-1 6-2 dismantling of Bulgarian Magdalena
Maleeva on Sunday.
An entire nation holds its breath as the Frenchwoman now heads into the
second week with her best chance ever to capture her first Grand Slam crown
and emulate childhood idol Yannick Noah.
Noah was the last Frenchman to win at Roland Garros in 1983.
“It’s good to be in the quarter finals but I want to go further,” Mauresmo
said.
The feisty Dementieva will attempt to derail her in her march. The
22-year-old Russian, who had never progressed past the round of 16 here in
six attempts, posted an upset victory over fifth-seeded American veteran
Lindsay Davenport.
The 27-year-old American was never able to make a dent in the Russian’s
armor because of an ailing right knee she tweaked in her match.
Dementieva appreciates the daunting task that now awaits her, but is looking
forward to showcasing her talent, possibly on a big show court.
“It’s going to be very difficult to play against her here in Paris,” said
Dementieva. “She’s in great shape. It’s going to be very difficult for
me.”
“She has great support from the public. Maybe for the first time, I’m going
to play on center court. I never played there so I’m very excited about
it.”
Dementieva and Mauresmo have played each other seven times with the
Frenchwoman leading their rivalry 5-2. She beat the Russian for the last
time at the WTA Tour Championships in Los Angeles last November.
“We know each other pretty well for having competed many times,” Mauresmo
said. “I’ll have to stay alert, play with discipline and not let her
dictate play.”
With her draw wide open now after World No1 Justine Henin-Hardenne’s early
defeat along with Davenport’s downfall, Mauresmo has a golden opportunity
to slide right into the final for a possible clash with one of the mighty US
players, the Williams sisters or Jennifer Capriati.
Davenport is adamant that Mauresmo could beat anyone, making the French
woman the clear favorite alongside US rival Venus Williams.
“I think Amelie is playing very, very well,” Davenport said. “People make
their breakthrough sooner or later to win a Grand Slam. It certainly seems
like in my mind, it’s her and Venus as the top two favorites right now.”
"Venus seemed like she was getting back right before she got hurt in the
final of Berlin. She seemed to find her range again and be really dominant.
Serena (sister Serena Williams) is still looking for it.”
“I see those four. The top two, I would see Venus and Amelie. And then
Serena and Jennier (Capriati). It’s going to be interesting to see. They
all have an equal shot.”
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