French Open - Day One Preview

By Chris Davies
May 25 2003

Defending Champion Serena Williams returns to Roland Garros along with Justine Henin-Hardenne, Amelie Mauresmo, Mary Pierce, Anastasia Myskina

(1) Serena Williams (USA) v Barbara Rittner (Ger)

Serena the world number one and defending champion has not had the best practice she would have liked towards the build up of the French Open. She surprisingly lost to Justine Henin-Hardenne and Amelie Mauresmo on clay which are her only losses this year. The German will not give the American many problems most of the points Rittner will win will be unforced errors from Serena. The top seed will be rusty which both Williams are on opening day of a big tournament if she played a better player than Rittner she could be in trouble but she will sail through with little problem.

Serena in straight sets but a rusty performance!

Mary Pierce (Fra) v (28) Clarisa Fernandez (Arg)

Pierce a former champion here faces last years semi-finalist Fernandez in a very good first round match up. If both players are on form then this could be one of the matches of the tournament, with Pierce's power and Fernandez good ball recovery making the rallies longer either player is capable of winning. The French woman will always be backed by the crowd which could help her win this match but has had injury worries recently and should win this match.

Pierce wins in a 3 set battle!

(5) Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) v Virginie Razzano (Fra)

Mauresmo has had a sensational year on the clay and is probably more favourite to win this title than Serena after enjoying wins over her and Jennifer Capriati back to back before losing to Kim Clijsters in Italy. Her opponent Virginie Razzano has had big success here in the past beating Anke Huber on her debut and Mauresmo has also lost first round after being tipped to win. But this time around Mauresmo is stronger mentally and physically progressing with little difficulty.

Mauresmo wins in 2 comfortable sets!

(11) Anastasia Myskina (RUS) v Dinara Safina (RUS)

Another awesome match up in the first round, Safina will be looking to restore some family credit after her brothers withdrawal from the mens draw. Myskina has had a topsy turvy clay season and could possibly lose to this rising star. Safina is a fantastic talent and Myskina does have a lot of up and downs in her game. This will be the young Russian's day.

Safina in 3 set keeping the family name in the tournament!

Other winners will include the Queen of Clay Justine Henin-Hardenne