May 17, 2011
The road to victory at Roland Garros won’t be so easy for Maria Sharapova, the winner of this weeks Italian Open. While she’s been prepped for the clay court by having survived Italy, she’s not likely to be the favorite as play starts next week.
The talented Sharapova is going to be dealing with a tough list of competitors including last years French Open champ, Italian star Francesca Schiavone. Schiavone won’t have it easy either as it’s been four years since last a woman repeated at the French when Justine Hennin captured two consecutive titles in 2006 and 2007.
So, beyond just having the defending champ to contend with, Sharapova has a list of competitors that will certainly make it difficult for her. Caroline Wozniacki, the world No.1 will be a tough out as well as American born Kim Clijsters who won the U.S Open.
The only thing working in Sharapova’s favor is there is no dominate player on the female side. While the men have to contend with Novak Djokovic who is on the roll of his life.
While I think the Italian Open was a good way to gain a little bit of steam heading into the French Open, I don’t think that she’s going to be able to bet so many competitors that she is evenly matched with.
Sharapova needs to complete her career Grand Slam with a win at the French Open. While I’d love to see it, she may just have to wait for it. This year won’t be her year.
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