French Open Women's Final Preview

At the endpoint of a sensational fortnight that recalls Soderling’s 2009 tournament, Stosur has defeated three of the four main contenders for the French Open title in consecutive matches (Henin, Serena, Jankovic). The accelerating Australian now faces a highly unexpected adversary, whom she met in her opening match at Roland Garros last year; admittedly aided by injuries to Wozniacki and Dementieva, Schiavone has used her ingenuity and experience to outlast several younger opponents. While a title for Stosur would signal the beginning of what likely will become an extended sojourn among the elite, a title for Schiavone would represent the culmination of a colorful career highlighted by her Fed Cup achievements. Colliding on five previous occasions, the Australian has won the last four meetings without losing a set after the Italian secured their first meeting in straight sets. Three of the seventh seed’s victories occurred last year, although only one happened on clay, so the head-to-head possesses moderate but not overwhelming significance.

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