Breaking down the women's draw
Posted: Friday May 21, 1999 04:01 PM
Sports Illustrated staff writer Jon Wertheim gives his take on the women's field for the
French
Open.
Click here for his look at the men's
bracket.
SEEDS
1. Martina Hingis. We know, we know. Her foes have gotten hip to her
ways, her points lead has evaporated since this time last year, and she doesn't
have the firepower of the Williams sisters. Still, in a Grand Slam event that
requires more guile than guns, we'll take her over the rest of the
field.
2. Lindsay Davenport. A chronically sore wrist might spell an early round
exit as Davenport's what-have-you-done-for-me lately meter is running
low.
3. Monica Seles. Last year's finalist could sneak up on the
field.
4. Jana Novotna. Won her lone Grand Slam a year ago on grass. If she ever
gets a second, it won't be on
clay.
5. Venus Williams. Still too combustible over the course of seven matches
to win her first Slam here. Don't worry, though, it will happen sooner rather
than
later.
6. Steffi Graf. One never knows just how battered her body really
is.
7. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario. Struggling defending champ will be
lucky to live up to her
seeding.
8. Mary Pierce. How she handles the schizo reaction she induces from the
"home" crowd will weigh greatly on her
results.
9. Nathalie Tauziat. After falling off the map, hometown favorite has
picked up her game
recently.
10. Serena Williams. A player no seed wants to face, but one who is
ultimately too headstrong and impatient to win over two weeks on
clay.
11. Patty Schnyder. After break from guru/coach and Peaches-and-Her-style
reunion with folks, where is her
head?
12. Sandrine Testud. To the French fans' delight, is capable of making
some noise, particularly with a kind
draw.
13. Dominique Van Roost. Quiet 1999 will continue in
Paris.
14. Amanda Coetzer. Always been a mystery why she hasn't done better
here.
15. Barbara Schett. Austrian doubles impresario quietly becoming an elite
singles
player.
16. Julie Halard-Decugis. Unlikely last seed will play some exciting
points but ultimately will fall in round of
16.
DARKHORSES TO WATCH
Anna Kournikova: Provided her tempestuous relationship with her serve is
under
control.
Amelie Mauresmo: Has disappeared since emergence at Australian
Open.
Ruxandra Dragomir: Lately has supplanted Irina Spirlea as best Romanian
player.
PREDICTIONS
Semifinals: Hingis vs. Schett, Seles vs.
Graf
Finals: Hingis vs.
Graf
Champion:
Hingis
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