French Open

With the ATP taking on a new look in 2009, many questions have come up.

From marketing changes, to revamped naming conventions of elite events, to stiffer penalties rendered, the tour is hoping for a more fan-friendly, healthier and streamlined structure. Here are 10 salient questions that will provide some clarity for the upcoming season.

1. How does the new tournament structure work?

By design, very simply:

Grand Slams (4): Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, U.S. Open

World number two Rafael Nadal criticised the ATP on Thursday for promoting a court surface he said was the toughest on the bodies of the players.

The Wimbledon and French Open champion claimed his fifth successive title and seventh of the year when he won the Toronto hardcourt tournament last week.

But the Spaniard said the sport's governing body was not paying enough attention to the effect of hard courts on injuries.

Rafael Nadal is OK with being ranked No. 2 in the world -- for now.

With Nadal beating Roger Federer in the French Open and Wimbledon finals, the Swiss star's grip on the top ranking is at its most vulnerable point since he became No. 1 more than four years ago.

If they continue to perform as well as the other in the Masters events this week in Toronto and next week in Cincinnati, then the ATP says Nadal could usurp Federer as No. 1 by mid-August, if not at the U.S. Open, where Federer is the four-time defending champion.

Back so soon?
 
It was odd to see Justine Henin in the stands and again at the trophy ceremony -- kind of like breaking up and then having your ex show up to check out your new date. Perhaps it's our problem; she looked comfortable enough.
 
Another reason to ban betting
 

Okay, Okay…so old dogs can learn new tricks! I have never been a believer of the mysterious world of horoscopes, palm readers, psychics, etc…but, after this weekend I am tempted to stay up late as I am sure I will be able to see with my naked eye the planets in total disarray!
 

Ana Ivanovic's game and glamor gives her cross-over appeal and shortly after the Serbian siren captured her first career major at the French Open Saturday she inspired a cross-dressing spree.
 
Before the start of the French fortnight Ivanovic's coaching team — coach Sven Groeneveld, conditioning coach Scott Byrnes and hitting partner Marcin Rozpedski — promised they would "do something outrageous" if she won the tournament. The trio vowed to run around the Arc de Triomphe clad in Ana's adidas dresses.
 

I have mixed feelings seeing the clay-court season go. On the one hand, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have, over the last three years, raised the importance of this time of year to an all-time high. As much as I liked watching Gustavo Kuerten, Alex Corretja, and Marcelo Rios sweep through the spring, none of them had the gravitas of a Federer or Nadal. They weren’t playing for all-time records and greatest-ever credentials.
 

The Times’ multimedia editor Carly Ritz reflects on a new Internet star

Ana Ivanovic has a lot to smile about these days. She has just won her first Grand Slam crown at the French Open, beating Russian Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-3 on a cloudy Paris afternoon.

It was the perfect way to end a dream fortnight for the 20- year-old.

Two young women have become the world's newest Grand Slam titlist, and they'll share the world's No. 1 ranking beginning next week.

One goes by the name Ana Ivanovic, and the other goes by the name Ana Ivanovic.

One comes into interview rooms and resonates such resolute 20-year-old sweetness that there's an urge to want to protect her against the world's vast reservoir of wolves. She pretty much evokes Bambi.

Serb celebrates maiden grand slam title
 

French Open champion Ana Ivanovic has described winning at Roland Garros as a lifelong dream come true.
 
The 20-year-old Serb claimed her maiden grand slam title in Paris on Saturday, beating Russian Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-3 .
 
"I feel so happy, I have no words to describe that," she said.