Friday's Preview - Williams, Harkleroad, Mauresmo

By Chris Davies
May 29 2003

American sensation Ashley Harkleroad returns back after her marathon second round, Serena takes on Barbara Schett in a good third round and Mauresmo plays Colombian Fabiola Zuluaga

(1) Serena Williams (USA) v Barbara Schett (AUT)

Barbara Schett will be looking to continue her fine form by beating the defending champion and world number one Serena Williams. This is possible by the Austrian but only if she can dramatically cut down her unforced errors, play with top power and if Serena is not on top of her game. If all this happens then who knows what could happen? Last time these met was on clay in Berlin where Serena won 6-3, 6-2 and leads 2-0 on head to heads. Serena will know that Schett is a dangerous opponent having beaten Clarisa Fernandez in the last round and also looking to return back into the top 15 with the world number one having valuable ranking points.

Serena in straight sets but could easily be reversed if world number one is not on top form!


Fabiola Zuluaga (COL) v (5) Amelie Mauresmo (FRA)

These players have met 4 times and twice on clay with Mauresmo leading 3-1 in head to heads. This time around the Colombian will cause the 5th seed a lot of problems early on with her court craft and variation's in spins and groundstrokes. The Frenchwoman seems in fine form and everybody is looking forward to a Mauresmo v Serena Williams quarter-final and this is a good early test for her.

Mauresmo in 2 sets first set will be tight then she will storm away with second!


Ashley Harkleroad (USA) v Magui Serna (SPA)

This is the first time these players have met. Harkleroad just came through a marathon match against Daniela Hantuchova and may be a little tired for this Spanish clay courter right now. Serna is a very good clay court player and is the tpe of player that gets under her opponents skin to rattle them abling her to put her shots to good use. This is the furthest Harkleroad has been in a Grand Slam but she'll go a lot further soon being one of the biggest players in tennis history and will be looking at this match as possible experience.

Serna in 3 sets, Ashley may win the first set but may run out of steam!