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Will This Be Serena's Year at French Open?

With Henin retired, she's got a chance to regain her dominance

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 23, 2008 10:22 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Justine Henin's abrupt retirement clears the way for Serena Williams to reassert herself in women's tennis, writes Tom Perrotta in the New York Sun, and there's no better place to start than this week's French Open. Last year, Henin took Williams down in all three majors, but Serena now seems to be at the top of her game mentally and phyiscally. The Open starts Sunday.

Other women stand poised to make the leap as well—Williams is seeded just fifth, though three of those ranked ahead of her have won just one major title combined. Jelena Jankovic will be coming off a win at the Italian Open and could end up facing Ana Ivanovic in an all-Serbian finals. But not, of course, if Serena has her say.

Serena Williams, of the United States, celebrates after beating Italy's Sara Errani at the Italian Open. With Henin gone, Williams's path to the French Open may be clear.
Serena Williams, of the United States, celebrates after beating Italy's Sara Errani at the Italian Open. With Henin gone, Williams's path to the French Open may be clear.   (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
U.S. tennis player Serena Williams celebrates after defeating Alona Bondarenko at the Italian Open. Though not as dominating as she was five years ago, Williams is now more experienced on clay.
U.S. tennis player Serena Williams celebrates after defeating Alona Bondarenko at the Italian Open. Though not as dominating as she was five years ago, Williams is now more experienced on clay.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Ana Ivanovic fell to Justine Henin in last year's French Open semifinals, but after the Belgian's retirement, the tournament is anyone's for the taking.
Ana Ivanovic fell to Justine Henin in last year's French Open semifinals, but after the Belgian's retirement, the tournament is anyone's for the taking.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Serbia's Jelena Jankovic kisses her trophy after winning the Italian Open. With Justine Henin out of the sport, Jankovic's fiercest competition at the French Open may be Serena Williams.
Serbia's Jelena Jankovic kisses her trophy after winning the Italian Open. With Justine Henin out of the sport, Jankovic's fiercest competition at the French Open may be Serena Williams.   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Belgium's Justine Henin addresses the media at Justine N1 tennis club in Limelette, Belgium, to announce her retirement from professional tennis.
Belgium's Justine Henin addresses the media at Justine N1 tennis club in Limelette, Belgium, to announce her retirement from professional tennis.   (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
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French Open is anyone's game
USA Today

Sharapova now has her shot
Reuters

Maria and Serena: Clash of the divas
Fox Sports

Could be Sharapova's career grand slam
Telegraph (UK)

 
tennis • French Open • Justine Henin • Ana Ivanovic • Serena Williams • Jelena Jankovic • women's tennis

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