Roland Garros: QF Preview

The first two singles quarterfinals are played at Roland Garros on Tuesday, in the bottom half of the draw. The only thing certain is that a Russian will advance to the semis here for the eighth successive year.

Chatrier

[17] Francesca Schiavone (ITA #17) vs. [3] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN #3)
H2H: Schiavone leads 1-0
2010 W-L record (All surfaces/clay): Schiavone (24-11/13-3)…Wozniacki (27-10/15-5)

Schiavone's win against Wozniacki was indoors at Zürich in 2008 - in other words, a lifetime ago as far as the Dane's career is concerned. The oldest and youngest players left in the draw, both have reached at least the fourth round at the last four Grand Slam events and have plenty to play for this time around. Schiavone fell in the quarters here in 2001, and if she wins today she'll be the first Italian woman to reach the semis at Roland Garros in the Open Era; regardless of the result, with her 30th birthday looming she is projected to make her Top 10 debut next week. Like a fine wine she has improved with age but she'll need to be at her best against Wozniacki, who despite a suspect ankle and patchy lead-up has avoided too much drama so far here in Paris. It will be up to the feisty Schiavone to make the plays if she is to stand a real chance.

Lenglen

[5] Elena Dementieva (RUS #5) vs. [17] Nadia Petrova (RUS #20)
H2H: Tied at 7-7
2010 W-L record (All surfaces/clay): Dementieva (25-8/8-3)…Petrova (19-9/12-3)

With just six months separating them, there can be few secrets left between these two, whose first professional meeting was at an ITF Circuit event in Tbilisi, Georgia, way back in 1997. In recent years Dementieva has had the edge, winning the last four encounters - though the last three went to three sets - and until recently might have been considered firm favorite to prevail again. But while she has regrouped admirably after a dismal clay season, and is certainly due on her 46th consecutive attempt at winning a Slam, it is Petrova who has been attracting buzz of late. First came a win against Serena Williams at Madrid, and then of course her defeat of Venus in the fourth round here. As ever, her serve remains the cornerstone of her game but the difference seems to be a new calmness and consistency in big matches; altogether it's a potent combination.