French Open Women's Final Preview

After a stunning thirteen days in Paris, two women are left in the tournament vying to be crowned the queen of clay. At the onset of the tournament, all the buzz surrounded Justine Henin and the return to the major was she has enjoyed the most success. However, one finalist, Samantha Stosur ended the hope of Henin to become a five-time champion at Roland Garros with a quarterfinal win over Justine. Stosur went on to knock off Serena Williams in the semifinals. Francesca Schiavone defeated an injured Caroline Wozniacki still feeling the effects of an ankle injury in the quarterfinals, before advancing to the finals after Elena Dementieva retired in the semifinals. For both of these players, the final of a major, at least in singles play is unchartered territory. Schiavone has reached the final of the French Open in doubles, while Stosur has won two Grand Slam titles, including the French Open in doubles. Stosur features arguably the second most powerful game on the WTA tour after Serena Williams. Schiavone has a strong forehand, and an above-average backhand and serve. Stosur can generate great pace on all of her shots, making returns difficult. If Schiavone can neutralize Stosur's power by effectively using her slice backhand followed by a swift approach to the net for a volley, she could win the French Open and become the first Italian female to win a Grand Slam title. If she cannot force Stosur to change her game and control the pace of points, it could be a quick defeat for Schiavone. In the end, I believe that Schiavone will need to be at her absolute best to defeat Sam Stosur, with the way that Stosur is playing right now. If Schiavone can force Stosur far from her comfort zone with deep slice after deep slice combined with putaway volleys, she can win. However, I believe that the form that Stosur has exhibited over the past two weeks will carry over into the final and result in victory for her. Sam will also be benefitted from her previous Grand Slam experience in doubles. I predict a quick victory for Stosur with few troubles along the way. Verdict: Samantha Stosur wins her first singles Grand Slam title in straight sets. Sources Used: espn.com, tennis.com