Justine Retains Her French Open Crown

Justine Henin-Hardenne successfully retained her French Open Title with a convincing 6-4, 6-4 victory over Russian Powerhouse & 2004 US Open Champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on the Chatrier Court. The Belgian needed 1 hr 36 mins to saw off a late resurgence from Kuznetsova. Kuznetsova's run was one of several achievements this season that exemplify her recent return to form, after a dismal 2005 that saw her relinquish her 2004 US Open title and Top 5 ranking. The Russian captured the prestigious Tier I title in Miami two months ago and has notched three Top 5 wins, including two over Amélie Mauresmo. After easier wins during the first week, in the second week of Roland Garros she gutted out tight wins over fiesty Italian Francesca Schiavone, compatriot Dinara Safina & the 17-yr old Czech Phenom Nicole Vaidisova who scored upset wins over reigning Aus Open Champion Amelie Mauresmo & Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams en route to her second major singles final. The fifth seed who also won the tournament in 2003 & 2005 joined Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf & Monica Seles as the only women to have won back-to-back titles at the claycourt grandslam in the professional era.

She also became the Ist player since Aranxta Sanchez Vicario in 1994 to win the crown without dropping a set. The match was closely contested with both players playing aggressively & going for the lines. But it was Justine Henin who converted 4/7 breakpoint opportunities as against Svetlana's 2/4. Justine's 37 winners, 16 errors also helped her seal victory over the resurgent Russian who had only 17 winnerswhopping 38 unforced errors. Kuznetsova's high Ist serve percentage could not capitalise on an all round game of Justine before succumbing to defeat by an errant & a long forehand on the second match point at 40-30.

Dubai Tennis Championship 2006

Sania Mirza will join star studded cast in Dubai Tennis Championship beginning 20th February. This tier II event features the greatest line-up of stars in the tournament history. Sania will compete against the elite field of WTA Tour that includes defending champion Lindsay Davenport, two time champ Justine Henin, ever exciting Williams sisters, tennis diva Maria Sharapova, 2004 US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova & also 23rd ranked teenager Jelena Jankovic from Serbia & Montengero, a 6-2, 6-2 winner over Sania in last year's quarterfinal & eventual finalist. Sania will have to return to her aggressive form after a scrappy 6-1, 5-7, 2-6 defeat to ITF-veteran Camille Pin who captitalised her win over Sania's elbow injury sustained at the end of the first set in Bangalore open where she was the defending champion, marking her early exit to end her bid for 2nd consecutive title in her homecountry. Mirza is sure to cause another frenzy when she returns to compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships 2006. Sania has managed to take all the adulation she has received in her stride, although it has sometimes been difficult with constant demands on her time.
Another strong contender for this title includes Ist & 2001 champ Martina Hingis who is staging her full scale comeback after 3 years. Hingis made quite a surprising return to competitive tennis with a quarterfinal finish at the Aus Open against another comeback player Kim Clijsters stretching her to 3 sets, along with a final berth in Toray Pan Pacific open ousting defending champ Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-1 in less than an hour.With this, the $1,000,000 Dubai Championship promises to be an entertaining prowess where players battle it out to settle old scores & avenge their losing streak.

Bangalore Open 2006

"17 of top 100 are contesting the 175,000 US $ tier III tournament scheduled Feb 13-19 in Bangalore (live & exclusive on ESPN 5.00 P.M.) & S.Mirza headlines the field. Sania has to defend her title previously played in hometown Hyderabad to keep up Indian hopes alive alongside the Uberoi sisters. Joining the bandwagon will be Melinda Czink, a three set victor over Sania in Sunfeast Open, ever rising Sybille Bammer, crafty left hander Jelena Kostanic, Israeli teenager Shahar Peer, Aus open Q.finalist Elena Vesnina, Bondarenko sisters & some of Sunfeast open participants.

Meanwhile Sania lost miserably 4-6, 2-6 to frenchwoman T.Golovin in Open Gaz De France. Also India lost 2-0 to S.Korea in Davis cup tie. I hope puts her best to cheer the Indian crowd & bring national glory by winning the title."

sania mirza

"So what S.Mirza lost 6-3, 7-5 battling injuries to lower ranked player in 2nd round of Aus Open2006, don't forget the winner is another young prodigy, Michaella Krajicek, sister of former Wimbeldon Champ R.Krajicek. Sania created waves, broke Indian records, notched top 10 wins,jumped 175 spots to be ranked 31 on the tour. Recently much ado was done about what she donned during matches but Sania has silenced the Muslim Board & her critics.Sania has returned to her stunning upsets with a 6-2, 7-6(5) win over 16-ranked Italian Pennetta in tier II tournament in France. She now faces another promising future star on the tour, 24-ranked,home favorite T.Golovin who beat Sania last year in Ist meeting. I hope she would avenge her loss & march ahead."