Sharapova Barely Survives, Serena, Ivanovic Head To The Third Round!

May 28th, 2008

Paris, France

Finally the weather has given way to play at the years second Grand Slam, Roland Garros. Today some of the women were still trying to complete their first round matches, while others where trying to head into the third round already. The day was filled with suspense and drama as some of the top women had problems advancing.

Maria Sharapova played her first match today on Court Phillipe-Chatrier and it was uneasy to say the least. The young Russian was completely out of sorts and making error after error. Not to take any credit away from her opponent, Rodina who was sending back balls for Sharapova to make mistakes on. Sharapova took the first set routinely, 6-1. Then in the 2nd, Rodina played more calmly and didn't allow the big situation to affect her, which led to a 6-3 win for Rodina. The final set is where it all came down to and Rodina on one occasion was two points away from sending Sharapova home. However it was not to be and as many times before, Sharapova battled back and won 8-6.

Serena Williams had an easier time playing her second round match against Mathilde Johansson. The first set went convincingly to Williams, 6-2. In the second, Williams' play dropped slightly which allowed Johansson to creep in and earn some games. In the end, Serena played better and dug deep to pull out a 7-5 victory in the second set. Ana Ivanovic on the other hand probably had the best day out of the top women, dismantling Lucie Safarova, 6-1, 6-2. The young Serbian and 2007 finalist has been looking impressive as of the start of this tournament.

In other action, the number 9 seed, Marion Bartoli faltered in her second consecutive Grand Slam first round. Today she lost to Casey Dellacqua, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2. Losing in the first round at the Australian Open as well, Bartoli must not be happy and doesn't look confident in defending her finalist points at Wimbledon next month. Elena Dementieva, the 2004 finalist looked good in her match today, as she usually does in early rounds. Her steady groundstrokes make all the difference as she led herself to a 6-7(6), 6-0, 6-2 victory over Vera Dushevina.

Tomorrow Maria Sharapova will be back in action as well as Jelena Jankovic and Venus Williams.

Results:

Court Phillipe-Chatrier

(1)Maria Sharapova d. Evgeniya Rodina - 6-1, 3-6, 8-6

(5)Serena Williams d. Mathilde Johansson - 6-2, 7-5

Court Suzanne Lenglen

Casey Dellacqua d. (9)Marion Bartoli - 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2

Court 1

(2)Ana Ivanovic d. Lucie Safarova - 6-1, 6-2

Court 2

(7)Elena Dementieva d. Vera Dushevina - 6-7(6), 6-0, 6-2

(25)Nadia Petrova d. Aravane Rezai - 7-6(4), 6-3

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Maria Sharapova - Round 2

2. Ana Ivanovic - Round 3

3. Jelena Jankovic - Round 2

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Round 2

5. Serena Williams - Round 3

6. Anna Chakvetadze - Round 2

7. Elena Dementieva - Round 2

8. Venus Williams - Round 2

9. Marion Bartoli - Lost Round 1 (Dellacqua)

10. Patty Schynder - Round 3