theagassiman
Rookie
So who do you think has the best chance of winning?
Who will win the French Open (women)?
- Thread starter theagassiman
- Start date
S
Serendipitous
Guest
Dementieva or Zvonareva
S
Serendipitous
Guest
S
Serendipitous
Guest
Sharapova is ranked 64, and I think the last place she will announce her comeback is the French Open.
egn
Hall of Fame
thank you. Have not been paying attention to rankings on the womens side at the moment as they are very shaky lately.
flyer
Hall of Fame
I think it will be Azarenka, her best surface is probably clay and we've seen what she can do on hard...
ivanovic's and jankovic's games have fallen off a cliff, the williams sisters dont care, henin retired and please do not try and sell me dementieva or kuznetsova...
vika has proven she shes not scared of anyone and can win the big match, is it mean to say im picking her by default?
justine could probably practice for a month, accept a wild card and not drop a set en route to the title at this point, but thats not gonna happen so im picking azarenka
ivanovic's and jankovic's games have fallen off a cliff, the williams sisters dont care, henin retired and please do not try and sell me dementieva or kuznetsova...
vika has proven she shes not scared of anyone and can win the big match, is it mean to say im picking her by default?
justine could probably practice for a month, accept a wild card and not drop a set en route to the title at this point, but thats not gonna happen so im picking azarenka
jamesblakefan#1
G.O.A.T.
Carla Suarez-Navarro? That's actually a pretty good pick, but even tho she made the QF last yr as a qualifier, I still see one the top girls taking it. Its been a lot harder, for some reason, for lower ranked girls to make those runs to the finals of slams like you've seen Tsonga, Baghdatis, Gonzales, etc. make in the men's game. I still say Safina can pull it out.
shadows
Legend
Carla has been playing pretty well on clay, made a finals and a semi recently but I don't think she's quite got it to actually take a slam yet.
I like Azarenka for this, she doesn't seem to crumble in the face of pressure like a lot of others and she's still carrying momentum from Miami so I think she's a decent shout.
I like Azarenka for this, she doesn't seem to crumble in the face of pressure like a lot of others and she's still carrying momentum from Miami so I think she's a decent shout.
Bud
Bionic Poster
Her best surface is definitely hard court... second would be clay and third grass.
boredone3456
G.O.A.T.
Right now my top 4 to watch for the French would be
1. Azarenka- not only has she broken the "can't win a title curse", she has won several titles, played phenominal practically all year when not sick, although I do question exactly what she could do at the french as I have seen very little of her play on clay, but she has the confidence, the momentum and the ability to actually be tactical when she needs to be which is key on clay.
2. Jankovic- Clay is probably her best surface and if there is going to be a major where she breaks through it will be the French. She almost beat Ivanovic last year (if I am not mistaken she was the only 1 to get a set off Ana last year). Her first title of the year came in Marabella on clay, and while it was against a field of generally lower ranked players, she did beat much improved Navarro in the final. She definitely has the game, she just needs to deliver
3. Serena- Much as it pains me, she cannot be counted out. She has proven time and time again that when she really wants to, even if not fit, she can storm through a draw. She has said she wants a 2nd French as she has at least 2 of every other major, and when Serena really wants it, its hard to stop her. Not to mention the fact she is mentally tougher than a majority of the current women which is why despite being at 70% of her former self she can still win majors. If she really wants it, she will be a contender.
4. Dementieva- I know I want to shoot myself for repeatedly picking her even though she never comes through. I picked her to win last year and well we all know what happened there. But, she has a good clay court game, and even through her success has come at its highest on hard courts, her game is just as suited to clay and if she gets a good draw and with her improved toss on her serve and the rest of the women with expceptions being just as mentally inconsistant at times as she can be she does have a shot...not going to name her the favorite but she has a shot.
Others:
Venus- No, I was to the point of rage during Charleston when the announcers actually said her and Serena are favorites and only after considering them both could you look to other possiblities like Dementieva. Venus's clay court game is not good enough for the French, she had to struggle in early matches to win in Acapulco.
Safina- based on recent play, she last little chance, if she can rediscover herself I might consider her
Ana & Kuznetsova- No, I would actually say only 1 will make the quarters...and I doubt either makes the semi's
Zvonareva- If not for her ankle, she'd be in my top 4 to watch, but her ankle makes her a giant question mark
Navarro- not ready yet IMO, getting there though
1. Azarenka- not only has she broken the "can't win a title curse", she has won several titles, played phenominal practically all year when not sick, although I do question exactly what she could do at the french as I have seen very little of her play on clay, but she has the confidence, the momentum and the ability to actually be tactical when she needs to be which is key on clay.
2. Jankovic- Clay is probably her best surface and if there is going to be a major where she breaks through it will be the French. She almost beat Ivanovic last year (if I am not mistaken she was the only 1 to get a set off Ana last year). Her first title of the year came in Marabella on clay, and while it was against a field of generally lower ranked players, she did beat much improved Navarro in the final. She definitely has the game, she just needs to deliver
3. Serena- Much as it pains me, she cannot be counted out. She has proven time and time again that when she really wants to, even if not fit, she can storm through a draw. She has said she wants a 2nd French as she has at least 2 of every other major, and when Serena really wants it, its hard to stop her. Not to mention the fact she is mentally tougher than a majority of the current women which is why despite being at 70% of her former self she can still win majors. If she really wants it, she will be a contender.
4. Dementieva- I know I want to shoot myself for repeatedly picking her even though she never comes through. I picked her to win last year and well we all know what happened there. But, she has a good clay court game, and even through her success has come at its highest on hard courts, her game is just as suited to clay and if she gets a good draw and with her improved toss on her serve and the rest of the women with expceptions being just as mentally inconsistant at times as she can be she does have a shot...not going to name her the favorite but she has a shot.
Others:
Venus- No, I was to the point of rage during Charleston when the announcers actually said her and Serena are favorites and only after considering them both could you look to other possiblities like Dementieva. Venus's clay court game is not good enough for the French, she had to struggle in early matches to win in Acapulco.
Safina- based on recent play, she last little chance, if she can rediscover herself I might consider her
Ana & Kuznetsova- No, I would actually say only 1 will make the quarters...and I doubt either makes the semi's
Zvonareva- If not for her ankle, she'd be in my top 4 to watch, but her ankle makes her a giant question mark
Navarro- not ready yet IMO, getting there though
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jones101
Hall of Fame
I agree with this list and the reason behind it. These are the best 4 contenders IMP. If I had a top 5 I'd put Venus on there, as she has more clay titles than the rest and has a title on the red dirt this year. She actually played amazing in her Final match in Acapulco aginst Pennetta, who herself is a solid clayer. Venus game may not be best suited to clay but she is a threat everytime she steps on court.
I would have had Vera Zvonareva on the list if she wasn't injured. Its a shame, as I think she has been playing Top 5 tennis since the US open and seemed poised to make an even bigger breakthrough this year, even win a slam. She has a quiet confidence about her and I thought she could be top 3 by years end.
I hope she recovers asap.
oscar_2424
Legend
Elena Dementieva cause she is trainning with Drakulie in Ft. Lauderdale
thalivest
Banned
Venus a contender. Ummm no. I will be surprised if she makes it past the 3rd round yet again. It speaks volumes that people are raving about her win over Penetta on clay as if it were a huge victory for Venus, which on clay it probably is which is telling enough. Also how the heck is "everyone" picking her. There are 5 other women with as many or more votes than her, all of them either in crummy form for awhile, or havent done much of anything at the French Open for awhile. If anything she might be undervalued on this poll so far.
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Bud
Bionic Poster
Look at her win loss record across all surfaces. Hard court is by far her best surface.
I believe she even stated her favorite surface is hard and her favorite slam is the USO.
As a junior she won both the AO and the USO.
She's won 3 WTA hard court tournaments (2009) and 1 ITF clay court tournament (2005).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Azarenka
Bud
Bionic Poster
Topaz
Legend
Well, you named one with CSN...then there was Marion Bartoli at Wimby, and Zie Jheng at Wimby as well. It happens, I just think not as many people pay as close attention.
***********
If Zvonereva were not injured, she'd be at the top of my list. Other than her, I think it is a crap shoot. And...I'm fine with that...it will be more exciting than watching Nadal mow through everyone again IMO.
Azarenka's best surface, IMO, is by far hard court. Now, that doesn't mean she can't do well on clay...she has excellent movement. She is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Lionheart392
Professional
Well Jankovic's form in 2009 hasn't been great thus far, although she did look much improved but still not in top form in Marbella. If she can get back to her best for Roland Garros then I think she can take it. Otherwise I have no idea. Ivanovic still seems all over the place and I don't think that will change in time, Safina hasn't yet proven she can handle the big moments (of course it can be argued neither has JJ), Zvonareva's health is currently questionable, etc etc. I will say I don't think Serena will win, in fact I'd be shocked if she makes it to the semis, and even the quarters are doubtful.
I love how everyone is picking Azarenka.... the girl just starts doing well... has never made it even to the QFs of a grand slam and all of a sudden she's going to win the french open? (ok she probably would have QF'ed or better at the AO if she hadnt gotten sick). But seriously... i think this could be where she breaks out and maybe gets to a QF or even a SF.. but not winning the whole thing... (though i would not mind at all if she did... i really like her). come on people! 
CANADIAN763
New User
Azarenka all the way. She played WTT for the lasers in my grandparents city in Springfield, Mo and I have liked her ever since
thalivest
Banned
I love how everyone is picking Azarenka.... the girl just starts doing well... has never made it even to the QFs of a grand slam and all of a sudden she's going to win the french open? (ok she probably would have QF'ed or better at the AO if she hadnt gotten sick). But seriously... i think this could be where she breaks out and maybe gets to a QF or even a SF.. but not winning the whole thing... (though i would not mind at all if she did... i really like her). come on people!
You make it sound like there are alot of really good options. Whoever wins it this year it will be kind of a joke really. Azarenka has about as good a chance as anyone else looking at the field, considering the surface as well. Also how the heck is "everyone" picking her. There are 5 other women with as many or more votes than her, all of them either in crummy form for awhile, or havent done much of anything at the French Open for awhile. If anything she might be undervalued on this poll so far.
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Topaz
Legend
I love how everyone is picking Azarenka.... the girl just starts doing well... has never made it even to the QFs of a grand slam and all of a sudden she's going to win the french open? (ok she probably would have QF'ed or better at the AO if she hadnt gotten sick). But seriously... i think this could be where she breaks out and maybe gets to a QF or even a SF.. but not winning the whole thing... (though i would not mind at all if she did... i really like her). come on people!
Azarenka has made solid, steady improvement in her game and the rankings since she came on the tour from a very successful junior career. If you've been following her for a few years, like some of us have, then it makes perfect sense to keep mentioning her name. She did not 'just start' doing well...she's been doing well, and better and better, for years. The no reason to think that she'll stop her improvement and march up the rankings.
Bud
Bionic Poster
I love how everyone is picking Azarenka.... the girl just starts doing well... has never made it even to the QFs of a grand slam and all of a sudden she's going to win the french open? (ok she probably would have QF'ed or better at the AO if she hadnt gotten sick). But seriously... i think this could be where she breaks out and maybe gets to a QF or even a SF.. but not winning the whole thing... (though i would not mind at all if she did... i really like her). come on people!
She has the ability to win the FO this year... whether she can capitalize on that ability... we'll see.
Bud
Bionic Poster
She is fun to watch live...
Strokes aside... she reminds me alot of Seles with her focus and intensity!
TsongaEatingAPineappleLol
Banned
Safina. Ivanovic sucks and Serena Williams can not play on clay. Also Jankovic is out of the question. Dinara is the only top pro who has this one.
Lionheart392
Professional
I'm not ruling Safina out but did you watch the AO final? She has a lot to prove.
Bud
Bionic Poster
Serena won the FO in 2002 beating Mary Pierce, Jennifer Capriati and her sister Venus. Both Pierce and Capriati are FO winners, themselves.
Venus is the weaker Williams on clay. However, she beat 3-time FO winner Monica Seles en route to the 2002 final.
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TsongaEatingAPineappleLol
Banned
Very true. I think it's all in her head. If she makes it to the final this year I believe she will know the feeling for the third time in a grand slam final. She'll probably do it.
cknobman
Legend
I picked Jancovic but with that field of players listed the reality is it could be anyone.
Williams sisters arent their best on clay and the rest of them are on a day to day basis in regards to their level of performance. One day they could play like a #1 and then the very next they look like a 4.5
Williams sisters arent their best on clay and the rest of them are on a day to day basis in regards to their level of performance. One day they could play like a #1 and then the very next they look like a 4.5
Lionheart392
Professional
Well it worked for Ivanovic actually. She was a finalist a the French, then the Australian, and then won the French. Safina might follow the same pattern
And HOW does Serena Williams have the most votes in this poll? My grandma has more chance of winning.
gj011
Banned
Well it worked for Ivanovic actually. She was a finalist a the French, then the Australian, and then won the French. Safina might follow the same pattern
And HOW does Serena Williams have the most votes in this poll? My grandma has more chance of winning.
Yes these poll are often quite funny.
Current Serena is way overrated and it will be exposed even more on clay. Her AO title was a fluke, she should have been out in 4th round or QF against Azarenka and Kuznetsova. Also on USO Venus let her win their QF match. She lost to #95 Zakopalova on clay recently. Even someone like Kirilenko has more chances of winning FO than Serena. She will not go past QF. She was not able to do that since 2003 anyway.
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Bloodshed
Professional
Well I'm hoping girls like Azarenka, Jankovic, Ivanovic will be in her bracket. I don't see what's so special about her clay abilities other than the WTA choking vs her.
