Second Round Preview

By Chris Davies
May 27 2003

The second round of the top half starts tomorrow with once again high quality matches and some surprise results on the way, we make predictions of the outcome of some of the matches!

(5) Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) v Lina Krasnoroutskaya (RUS)

The French powerhouse has played the Russian star this year with OK results. Lina was on the verge of being big few years ago but got injured and now is on the way back to her highest level whereas Mauresmo is at a very high level now and is focused on getting her matches wrapped up with little trouble. This could be a potential upset for the 5th seed but I don't think the crowd will allow her to lose her focus and determination getting behind her and supporting her all the way.

This could be a fantastic match with Mauresmo being made to play at her highest level by the Russian. Krasnouroutskaya pushed the French star to a second set tie-break the last time they met and could steal a set but this time around Amelie uses all her experience getting the job over and done with a straight sets!

(9) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) v Ashley Harkleroad (USA)

Harkleroad the teenage sensation sweeping across the tour right now has all the weapons the beat the Slovakian and has done on their previous meeting with a 6-2, 6-1 thrashing of Hantuchova. Daniela has struggled on the clay and also her weight problems which aren't helping her game this year could be beaten once again. Hantuchova was surprisingly taken to 3 sets by Jidkova in the first round whereas Harkleroad easily beat Obata from Japan. The American has the mental edge having beaten the ninth seed on clay this year with the physical strength going her way aswell. This time around the result will be the same.

Harkleroad wins in straight sets!

(1) Serena Williams (USA) v Marie Gaineh-Mikaelian (SUI)

The defending champion was impressive in her first round match which she needs to keep up throughout the 2 weeks if she gets that far. The Swiss girl has power and good groundstrokes that can match the world number one if she is not at her best then she could be in big danger. Serena has a lot too lose her being defending champion could feel the pressure but should easily brush Mikaelian aside and stroll into the next round.

Serena motors through yet again in straight sets!