Теннис

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June 2, 2005

Henin-Hardenne, Pierce to Meet in Roland Garros Final

PARIS - After 11 days of action, two former champions will be playing on Saturday for the title at Roland Garros.

2003 champion Justine Henin-Hardenne and 2000 winner Mary Pierce both enjoyed comfortable semifinal victories on Thursday to advance into the championship match in Paris.

Henin-Hardenne needed a little over an hour to defeat No.7 seed Nadia Petrova, while Pierce dropped just two games in a 61 61 route of No.16 seed Elena Likhovtseva that took just 58 minutes.

Their meeting in the final will mark the fourth time Henin-Hardenne and Pierce have been on opposite sides of the net and first since the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where the Belgian player defeated the Frenchwoman en route to the Olympic Gold. Henin-Hardenne also defeated Pierce in their only other career meetings - a quarterfinal victory in 2003 at Charleston and also fourth round win in their only other Grand Slam encounter at Wimbledon that same year.

On Thursday, Henin-Hardenne took 34 minutes in each set in order to take the match against Petrova, demonstrating a similar pattern in both the first and second sets on her way to victory. The two players opened the match by exchanging breaks before Henin-Hardenne got into a groove and quickly marched through the first set in eight games.

The second set was also kicked off with the exchanging of service breaks, with Henin-Hardenne grabbed the 1-0 lead before Petrova broke back and then held serve for 2-1. From there, the Belgian former No.1 took five of the next six games to return to the championship match in Paris.

"It's pretty amazing," Henin-Hardenne said. "I was telling my coach and my husband before coming here, if I would have only one more Grand Slam final, I wish it would be here. I hope I will have many other Grand Slam finals, but this one is very special. It's a lot of memories, so I hope I'll be in my top form in two days."

Henin-Hardenne, who celebrated her 23rd birthday on Wednesday, improves to 26-1 on the season and has yet to lose in 2005 on clay, extending her winning streak to an impressive 23 matches. She will enter Saturday's final with three clay court titles under her belt - Charleston, Warsaw and Berlin - and will be seeking her fourth career Grand Slam title.

The number 23 will have very special meaning for Henin-Hardenne entering Saturday's final. Along with just turning 23 and currently holding as 23-match winning streak, Henin-Hardenne will be seeking her 23rd career Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in the final.

Henin-Hardenne will now be seeking her fourth Grand Slam title. Her victory over Kim Clijsters in the 2003 Roland Garros final was Henin-Hardenne's very first Grand Slam title. She also added a title at the US Open that same year and then started 2004 by capturing the Australian Open.

Despite the loss, Petrova leaves Paris with a second career Grand Slam semifinal appearance now on her resume and has also solidified her spot in the Top 10 for the moment, moving up as high as No.8 when the new rankings come on on Monday.

"You could look up at the score and say how tough it was," said Petrova on her loss to Henin-Hardenne. "She really played well today. She started very aggressive. She was really going for her shots, and she was keeping me in the trouble all the time. She'd been hitting balls very deep and close to the lines. It's just one of those days when everything works in your favor, and she had one of those days today."

Petrova's run in Paris included straight sets victories versus Mashona Washington, Severine Beltrame and Shahar Peer before scrambling to defeat No.12 seed Elena Bovina in three sets. She then went on to defeat No.29 seed Ana Ivanovic in order to make the final four.

The Russian player was able to capture a victory against Henin-Hardenne in their last Grand Slam meeting, a fourth round win last year at the US Open, but said that defeating a confident Henin-Hardenne is going to be a difficult task for anyone at the moment.

"She's won already three tournaments on clay after her injury," Petrova said. "She came out of her injury very strong, very mentally strong as well, playing very good tennis."

Pierce wasted very little time accepting the berth time the finals, converting on 9-of-10 break point opportunites and winning 83 percent of points on her first serve against Likhovtseva.

The Frenchwoman's dominant performance only yielded just two break point opportunities to Likhovtseva, both of which were quickly squashed as she improved to 5-0 in Grand Slam semifinal appearances.

"I almost really couldn't ask for anything better, to be playing against Justine in the finals," Pierce said. "It's going to be fantastic. Great test for me. She's one of the best players in the game right now.

"I've had nothing to lose, like I've had nothing to lose in the last few matches. I'm really just going to enjoy it, enjoy being on the court, enjoy every moment - the crowd cheering for me, my family supporting me. It's the last match and I'm going to give everything that I have."

Pierce makes her way into Saturday's after following an impressive route to the finals. She has recorded victories against Vera Douchevina, Jelena Kostanic, No.9 seed Vera Zvonareva, No.8 Patty Schnyder, world No.1 Lindsay Davenport and Likhovtseva during her two-week run in Paris.

Meanwhile, Pierce will be playing in a Grand Slam final for the fifth time in her career and first since taking the title in Paris five years ago. Pierce also won the title at the Australian Open 10 years ago, while losing in the Roland Garros final in 1994 and also in the championship match at the Aussie Open in 1997.

"Five years ago, I was probably at the top of my game," Pierce said. "I was playing good tennis. I wasn't at my best yet, though. Still had some good experience already behind me. And then my first final here in '94 was my first final, so nervous. Couldn't sleep the night before. I'm like, 'Oh, my gosh, my French isn't that great and I have to do a French in speech. What am I going to say?' I kept thinking that more than my match."

Despite injuries and other setbacks to her professional career, Pierce has continued fighting and feels her efforts are finally paying off.

"I had something inside of me when I had my injuries that was telling me, 'You know, you're not done. There's something for you to do in tennis, still some things for you to accomplish, still some things for you to accomplish in tennis.'" Pierce said. "I don't know what that meant. I don't still know what that means today. It could be the results on the court, it could be something else. I just listened to that."

Though she was unable to reach the finals, Likhovtseva's efforts over the last two weeks finally pushed the Russian player into a Grand Slam semifinal in her 46th Slam appearance. She was able to defeat No.18 seed Silvia Farina Elia, last year's runner-up and No.4 seed Elena Likhovtseva, along with rally to defeat upstart Bulgarian teen Sesil Karatanthceva in order to reach the last four in Paris.

"I couldn't put myself into the game," Likhovtseva said of facing Pierce. "I didn't dictate it. So I think I didn't put her in defense, and that was the key moment."

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Roland Garros Roused for Rafa, Federer Showdown

The semifinals are set in Roland Garros with World No.1 Roger Federer meeting Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal on Friday while unseeded Argentine Mariano Puerta will take on No. 12 seed Nikolay Davydenko who jumped to No. 3 in the INDESIT ATP Race by clinching his first Grand Slam semifinal berth.

On Thursday, the No. 2 seeded duo of Bjorkman/Mirnyi defeated Olympic gold medalists Gonzalez/Massu and in the final will face 2003 Roland Garros doubles champions and ATP Doubles Race leaders Bryan/Bryan, winners over Knowles/Nestor.

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02 июня 2005, 22:49

Максим Мирный сыграет в финале мужских пар на «Ролан Гаррос»

В четверг определились финалисты «Ролан Гаррос» в парном разряде у мужчин. В первом четвертьфинале братья Боб и Майк Брайаны добились победы над парой Ноулес/Нестор из за отказа при счете 3:2. Другой четвертьфинальный матч вывел в финал шведо-белорусский тандем Йонас Бьоркман/Максим Мирный.

Открытый чемпионат Франции. Париж (Франция)

Мужчины

Парный разряд

Полуфиналы

Боб Брайан/Майк Брайан (США, 3) – Марк Ноулес/Дэниэл Нестор (Багамские о-ва/Канада, 1) – 6:3, 3:2 отказ

Йонас Бьоркман/Максим Мирный (Швеция/Беларусь, 2) – Фернандо Гонсалес/Николас Массу (Чили) – 6:3, 4:6, 6:4

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02 июня 2005, 21:02

Смешанная пара Мыскиной остановилась в шаге от финала

Анастасия Мыскина не смогла пройти в финал открытого чемпионата Франции в составе смешанной пары. В четверг ее дуэт со шведом Йонасом Бьоркманом был остановлен на стадии полуфинала словацко-французской парой Даниэла Гантухова/Фабрис Санторо.

В финале победителям предстоит сразиться с опытной парой, состоящей из 48-летней американки Мартины Навратиловой и 32-летнего индийца Леандера Пайеса.

Открытый чемпионат Франции. Париж (Франция)

Женщины

Микст (Смешанные пары)

Полуфинал

Даниэла Гантухова /Фабрис Санторо (Словакия / Франция) – Анастасия Мыскина/Йонас Бьоркман (Россия/Швеция, 4) – 7:6 (7:5), 6:0

Мартина Навратилова/Леандер Пайес (США/Индия, 6) - Саманта Стосур/Пол Хэнли (Австралия) - 6:2, 6:3

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02 июня 2005, 18:53

В финале «Ролан Гаррос» российских теннисисток не будет

Последняя россиянка на открытом чемпионате Франции завершила свое выступление. В полуфинальном матче против хозяйки кортов Мари Пьерс шестнадцатая сеяная Елена Лиховцева без особой борьбы уступила путевку в финал, где 30-летняя француженка померяется силами с бельгийкой Жюстин Энен-Арденн.

Открытый чемпионат Франции. Париж (Франция)

Женщины

Одиночный разряд

Полуфинал

Мари Пьерс (Франция, 21) – Елена Лиховцева (Россия, 16) – 6:1, 6:1

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02 июня 2005, 14:51

Тарпищев: Давыденко может конкурировать с Федерером

Капитан сборной России и президент Федерации тенниса России Шамиль Тарпищев считает, что первой ракетке мира швейцарцу Роже Федереру следует опасаться россиянина Николая Давыденко, сообщает «РИА «Новости»

По словам Тарпищева, главный козырь Давыденко - быстрое передвижение по корту и сильные прицельные удары. «Если он сможет улучшить подачу, то сможет конкурировать с Федерером», - отметил Тарпищев.

В пятницу Николай будет встречаться в 1/2 финала с аргентинцем Мариано Пуэртой, с которым ранее играл всего однажды – три недели назад во втором круге на турнире серии «Мастерс» в Гамбурге, где Николай победил 7:5, 6:3 и дошел до полуфинала (где будущий победитель турнира Роже Федерер не оставил россиянину никаких шансов – 3:6, 4:6).

По мнению Тарпищева, Давыденко сможет выиграть у Пуэрты, если сумеет физически восстановиться после пятисетовой битвы с Робредо в 1/4 финала.

Федерер во второй полуфинальной паре будет играть с испанцем Рафаэлем Надалем и этот матч уже называют досрочным финалом.

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Courier's Verdict on Federer, Nadal Showdown

As the box office opened for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London (29th November – 4th December), defending champion and two-time French Open winner Jim Courier began looking forward to the match that everyone wants to see – Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal - in the Roland Garros semifinals .

With Federer and Nadal set to meet in the final four on Friday in Paris , Courier, promoting the season-ending finale to the Delta Tour of Champions, told BBC Radio Five Live that the match could turn into one of the all-time classics.

“As soon as the draw came out everybody took a sharp intake of breath,” said Courier.

“It's a little bit of a pity that they can't meet in the final, but when you look at the other side of the draw, with Nikolay Davydenko and Mariano Puerta, this really is the de-facto final. The last time they played in the finals in Miami, they had a five setter, and Nadal had a match point and gave him everything he'd got. He certainly doesn't fear Federer – he knows he can match up with him. But Federer has a little more experience and he wants this title very badly.

Both Nadal and Federer have come through the draw physically unscathed, so they're both going to be fine. This is as good as it's going to get - there's been two days of hype to build it up - it's fantastic.”

The American, who won back-to-back French Opens in 1991 and 1992, and also lifted the Champions Masters trophy in his debut on the Delta Tour of Champions last year, had nothing but praise for the two players.

“Federer's game is as good as anyone that's ever played,” said Courier.

“What he is playing against right now is history – and whether he can become the greatest player of all time. To have a career Grand-Slam at his age would be phenomenal, particularly considering how specialised the game has become. There are very few guys that win Roland Garros and go on to win others on different surfaces – it's the most specialised of the four surfaces. Shot for shot and with his ability to play under big-match pressure, I'd put him up against anybody, but he has to stand the test of time if he wants to be up there with Rod Laver and Pete Sampras.”

And although Courier predicted a Federer victory, he paid tribute to the refreshing attitude that Nadal has brought to tennis.

“You have to love the way that he comes onto the court,” said Courier.

“He does the coin toss like a boxer, and sprints back to the baseline – I've never seen anyone do the pre-match the way he does, but it's a good way to get the nerves out. He handled the hype in his third round match against Richard Gasquet , so he's got a bit of experience of it, and he's had some funky things happen, like with the crowd getting on him in the Grosjean match. I think he'll settle in, but I think he'll start pretty nervous.”

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The journalists go for Federer

Thursday, June 2, 2005

As the much-awaited semi-final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal attracts the full glare of the media spotlight, we sought the opinions of eight knowledgeable journalists who follow the circuit all year round. The majority were tipping Roger.

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Christian Despont>, Le Temps (Switzerland): Federer

I don't think it will be a close match. One of the two will seize the initiative and win easily. If Roger plays like he did against Kuerten last year, he won't be able to withstand a clay court specialist on his surface. But if he raises his game the way he can, he is untouchable. Roger has the pride of a champion, no fear of pressure and I know he's going to be well prepared for this match.

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Roger Jaunin>, Le Matin, author of the book "Roger Federer" (Switzerland): FedererIn a way, it's a shame this match isn't the final, but I'm not even sure that its winner will lift the tournament. I'm going for Roger because I feel he's more capable of controlling this type of big game. It may well turn out to be a long match and if it does, Roger has the added advantage of control for the fifth set and is physically fresher. He's a more complete athlete than Nadal.

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Chris Clarey, New York Times (United States): Federer I have faith in Roger's ability to learn and these days he analyses his opponents very effectively. With time and objectivity, he has overcome the "barriers" of clay and now has a clear idea of the way he needs to play on Friday. Roger had not yet drawn on his reserves of energy and he possesses a variety of unique shots that can break down Nadal's defences. It will be a close and spectacular match, but Grosjean caused the Spaniard problems by varying his attacks and no one does that better than Roger.

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Philippe Bouin, L'Equipe (France): Federer

The weather will be crucial. If it's hot, like during the Nadal - Gasquet match, the bounce will be high and it will be much tougher for Roger. But if it's cool, he will have more time to turn around his backhand. But Federer is capable of beating Nadal in any weather. He has exceptional variety in his game, possesses a full array of shots and knows how to use them. Nadal has a more limited armoury and what's more, he has had a highly emotional time over the last two months.

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Rino Tommasi, Sky Italia (Italy): Federer

The surface may suit Nadal better, but Federer has pure talent on his side. It's a shame this isn't the final. Nadal has the physique of a 23-24-year-old player, and he proved in the final against Coria in Rome that he has the mental toughness. However, Roger gets less tired on court, he expends less energy, and over five sets, that can be a decisive factor. Nadal is not as gifted and does not have the same variety of shots. Roger also has the better serve and is better at the net.

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Barry Flatman, Sunday Times (United Kingdom): Nadal It will be a great match that will still be talked about in several years time. I think Nadal will win it, as he's bursting with confidence and afraid of no one. Federer has a fantastic record in Grand Slam finals, but it's not a final, even if it ought to be. There is a tiny bit more doubt in Federer's mind. He has not yet lost a set so, in my opinion, the first set is going to be extremely important.

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Ulbaldo Scanagatta, La Nazione (Italy): Nadal

This game sees the two most prestigious players come face to face. It's a final in all but name. If it's hot, that will favour Nadal as his topspin will kick up even more, his shots will be more lively, forcing Federer to play his backhand above the shoulder. Nadal is an incredible athlete and my money's on him, but the purist in me hopes that Federer wins.

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John Roberts, The Independent (United Kingdom): Federer

Roger has more experience and is more mature, but Nadal has the advantage of playing on a surface that suits his style perfectly. A victory for Nadal would be good for tennis, as it would place him firmly in the circle of Federer's main rivals. He would go to the very top. Spain has had many champions since the Manolo Santana era, like Bruguera, Corretja, Moya, and Ferrero. All have elevated tennis in their country to new heights, and now Nadal is also at his zenith. Spain is crazy about him, he has charisma and he's a fighter. He's definitely got the "X factor", but for Federer, this is a great opportunity to make an impression at Roland-Garros and win the tournament. Roger is the superior player and my head says he will win, but my heart hopes it's Nadal.

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Davydenko: the other Russian

Thursday, June 2, 2005

The hard-hitting Russian in the semis at this year's French Open is not Marat Safin but lesser known compatriot Nikolay Davydenko. After wins over last year's finalist Guillermo Coria in the last sixteen and Tommy Robredo in the quarters, the world No 12 is on the threshold of his first Grand Slam final.

The win over Coria confirmed the 24 year-olds impressive form this season: he followed a quarter final berth in the Australian Open with semi-final finishes in Barcelona and Hamburg before winning in Sankt Poelten.

The shy native of Severodonezk in the Ukraine now looks to be a contender for the Masters Cup at season's end. "I'm playing well at the moment but I still have to go out and prove myself everyday. I can still do better, my game is far from perfect" he says.

Born on 2 June 1981 in the Ukraine, at just 11 Nikolay left his parents Vladimir and Tatjana behind to live with his elder brother Edouard in Volgograd. At the time, Russia seemed to offer more opportunities for a would-be tennis pro he explains to the hoards of journalists who gathered after his quarter-final win. "I stayed 4 years in Russia. Edouard worked as a tennis coach for kids and we practiced together. He pushed me pretty hard. At 15 we left for Germany. A Russian who lived there convinced Edouard it would be better for me. In Europe I could play more tournaments than in Russia."

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Aussie breakthrough

Although he would be 18 before he was granted Russian citizenship, the now Monaco resident soon defended his adopted country's colours in the Davis Cup. After his 4th ATP tour win in Moscow in 2004 he was warmly congratulated by former president and tennis aficionado Boris Eltsine.

A pro since 1999, Nikolay first caught the public eye when he took a set off Pat Rafter in the second round at the Australian Open. He also won his first ATP tour victory in Australia in 2003 in Adelaïde. In three years he has climbed out of Marat Safin's shodow from 85th to 12th in the world rankings. And he will surely climb even higher if he overcomes unseeded Mariano Puerto on Friday to reach the French Open final on what is his favourite surface.

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Pierce cruises into third final

Thursday, June 2, 2005

As her 25th winner of the day gave Mary Pierce a 6-1 6-1 win over Elena Likhovtseva, she threw her arms in the air and smiled brightly, a subdued celebration from someone headed to her third French Open final. But as she sat in her chair and dropped her head into her lap, Pierce showed that she, too, cannot believe this improbable Roland Garros run.

"It's a fantastic feeling, you know. I'm very happy, very excited. And, you know, what can I say? It's just fantastic," said Pierce.

At 30 years-old and as the 21st-seed, few had much hope for Pierce this year, but after the amazingly easy 58-minute affair Thursday, she has her third chance at the Suzanne Lenglen trophy, five years after winning it and 11 since losing it to Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.

Pierce says she is not surprised to be back on the greatest clay court stage because she "worked very hard. You know, I believe in myself, and the few people that believe in me that I have in my life have really helped me a lot to get where I am.

"And, you know, that's why I'm here today. Because I had something inside of me when I had my injuries that was telling me, 'You know, you're not done.'"

It was a dominant performance from the Frenchwoman on Court Philippe Chatrier. Much like her dismissal of world number one Lindsay Davenport in the previous round, Pierce dictated the match with her first serve and array of winners, which today varied from powerful cross-court forehands to a backhand high-volley that she kissed over the net to earn match point.

And much like Davenport, Likhovtseva never found an answer. She was simply overmatched in her first ever Grand Slam semi-final. Pierce posted 15 winners in the first set. Likhovtseva won just 15 points in the whole frame.

"I felt great this morning, you know, practicing and stuff," the 29-year-old said. "I didn't care much about the crowd and about, you know, that Mary's French and is playing here at home. But she didn't give me any rhythm. Like I fell apart really."

An inconsistent first serve allowed Pierce to feast on Likhovtseva's second, winning 75 percent of the points off it. When the Russian managed to find the service box, she did not run well or cover the court sufficiently. Too many points ended with her watching Pierce winners skip through open court.

There will be few openings like that Saturday when Pierce faces Justine Henin-Hardenne, writing her own comeback story after last year's battle with injury and illness.

"I think it's a beautiful story. I think it's a great thing, you know," Pierce said. "Look at what Justine has been through, you know. She's awesome."

Without dropping a set, the Belgian has won all three of their previous encounters, the last of which came on a hard court at last summer's Olympics in Athens.

"This is not hard courts; this is clay courts. So it will be a different match," a confident Pierce declared. "It's later now. I'm feeling a lot fitter and I'm playing better.

"You know, it's definitely going to be a really tough match. It's going to be a really exciting match. It's going to be a lot of fun. I almost really couldn't ask for anything better, to be playing against Justine in the finals. It's going to be fantastic."

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Davydenko-Puerta: tough to call

Thursday, June 2, 2005

Mariano Puerta and Nicolay Davydenko (n°12) the two surprise packages of the 2005 French Open will dispute their first Grand Slam semi-final this Friday...A tough match to call.

Nicolay Davydenko hit the Paris clay fresh from an impressive win at Sankt Pölten. And his form has stayed with him through ten days of testing opposition, most notably with victories in the second week over last year's semi-finalist Guillermo Coria and a quarter-final victory in five sets over Tommy Robredo who had earlier overturned compatriot Marat Safin. A final berth will be the birthday present he is wishing for the day after he turns 24.

Mariano Puerta is disputing his first Grand Slam tournament since the 2003 US Open. After serving a 9th month suspension for using banned substances, he returned to the tour in July 2004 ranked 440th in the world. The Argentinian has climbed back steadily over the last year, winning on clay in Casablanca in April after losing out to Gaston Gaudio in the final in Buenos Aires in February. Here in Paris he has impressed with wins over in-form Ivan Ljubicic in the first round, compatriot Jose Acasuso in the last sixteen and Guillermo Canas in five hard fought sets in the quarters.

Davydenko has shown he can trade shots and stay the distance on clay. Like compatriot Yevgueny Kafelnikov he takes the ball early and can hit forehand winners with alarming ease. He'll need to be firing on all cyclinders against Puerta who will certainly try to keep him on his back foot.

Puerta, the chunky southpaw, will be relying on his terrifying forehand to wreak havoc down on the Russian. His heavy topspin drives, one-handed cross-court backhand and idiosyncratic scissor service will also keep Davydenko guessing.

The two players have only crossed paths once; in Hamburg, last month on clay, when the Russian emerged victorious in two sets (7-5 6-3).

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Henin petrifies Petrova and will face Pierce in final

Thursday, June 2, 2005

Tournament favorite Justine Henin-Hardenne put on a clay court clinic and plastered Nadia Petrova 6-2, 6-3 Thursday to race into the final.

In reaching her second final at Roland Garros, the Belgian beat down the taller Russian from every angle of the court, powering inside-out forehands, moving the Russian adeptly around with low slices and negating Petrova's big serve with hard returns.

The only real chance that Petrova had to win the match was to play an ultra-aggressive brand of yellowball, but Henin was the more powerful player on the day and kept the Russian from dominating at the net.

"I don't see anybody winning this tournament except Justine," Petrova said. "She played perfect."

Henin will play 2000 Roland Garros champion Mary Pierce of France, who wiped out Elena Likhovtseva.

Henin is on a 23-match winning steak on clay and has won six contests at Roland Garros against all styles of players. In the first three rounds, she outlasted a trio of Spanish retrievers. In the fourth round, she was the epitome of mental toughness in facing down two match points and Svetlana Kuznetsova. In the quarters, she tripped up charged-up world number two Maria Sharapova. On Friday, she was successful in every strategy she applied.

"I was very determined, I was patient and I was aggressive when I needed to be," the Belgian said. "I did some mistakes, but I did a lot of winners, and I've been aggressive and patient when I had to. So I was in the good rhythm. I was feeling very good, very calm on the court. "

Even though she's dealing with a back injury, the 22-year-old Henin looks as fast and powerful as ever. She's added a vicious new inside-out forehand to her amazing repertoire and for more than a few moments on Court Philippe Chatrier, she looked like Roger Federer stepping into the doubles alley and hammering shots across the court and close to the line.

"We've worked pretty hard on that shot because everybody knows my backhand is beautiful, it's natural, but it doesn't give me a lot of points. I move better when I go for my inside-out forehand, so that makes me feeling better physically. I'm in better shape when I do this, so that's very good. I can run a lot. But I love to use this shot. It's probably the first match here at the French Open I used this shot."

Henin and Pierce have played three times, with Belgian taking all three battles without dropping a set. They've played once on green clay in 2003, with Henin taking a 6-2, 6-3 decision in Charleston.

As fast as she is and with as many weapons as she has, it will be tough for slower power player like Pierce to hit through Henin.

"I grew up on clay and I can slide very good," Henin said. "I think these types of player, they don't find the solution because they're hitting the ball very hard all the time and I'm always on it, so it's not easy. But I've lost matches on clay court. I can lose also."

[Vardan]

Final Set in Men’s Doubles

Thursday, June 2, 2005

Bob and Mike Bryan will face Jonas Bjorkman and Max Mirnyi in the French Open men's doubles final Saturday, their third meeting of the year. The American twins won the first two.

Seeded third, the Bryans advanced to the title match Thursday when Daniel Nestor (playing with Mark Knowles) had to retire because of a left wrist injury with the Americans leading 6-3 3-2.

Bjorkman and Mirnyi, meanwhile, survived a stiff test from Olympic champions Nicolas Massu and Fernando Gonzalez, finally pulling out a 6-3 4-6 6-4 decision.

In the Australian Open semi-finals, the Bryans won easily, 6-1 6-3. Things were a bit closer a few weeks ago, though, in Rome when the 2003 Roland Garros champs won 6-2 in the third set.

The mixed doubles final is also in place. Second-seeded Martina Navratilova and Leander Paes will take on Daniela Hantuchova and Fabrice Santoro Friday. Both were straight sets winners Thursday.

The women's semi-finals are to be contested Friday. Top seeds and three-time French Open winners Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suarez meet Nadia Petrova and Meghann Shaughnessy (5), while Cara Black and Liezel Huber (2) face Corina Morariu and Patty Schnyder, the eight-seeds.

[Vardan]