Sharapova Wins the Crown, Simona Conquers Hearts

After a few early upsets-amongst which the shock defeat of world No.1 and defending champion, Serena Williams, by Garbine Muguruza-it was more or less clear that this year’s Roland Garros was headed for a Sharapova-Halep final showdown. The two have been the dominant figures of the clay-court season. Simona made the final in Madrid-losing to none other than Sharapova-while the Russian also triumphed in Stuttgart.

In Paris, Halep did not drop a set en route to the final. Maria’s ride on the other side was way more adventurous. The Russian was pushed hard several times, having to often come back from the brink of defeat. In her trademark style, she fought hard, playing solid tennis when it really mattered, coming from behind to defeat Sam Stosur in the fourth round, Garbine Muguruza in the quarterfinals, respectively Canadian darling, Genie Bouchard, in the semis. Maria is the ultimate fighter. She will fight and she will win because she is extremely tough mentally. She is impenetrable. She is the Iron Lady. Nothing derails her from her accomplishing her mission. She wants the victory more than anything, so even when she falls behind, she often finds a way to turn things around and achieve her goal. She proved it again at the French Open battling her way through to a third consecutive final.

Although less experienced, to me, Halep was the favourite. Simona has been in superb form this fortnight, playing smart, effective tennis. Nevertheless, Sharapova is always an extremely tough nut to crack. She will jut not go away easy. The match promised a great battle, and a great battle it was. 

In one of the most entertaining Grand Slam finals in recent years, Simona Halep showed just what she’s capable of, winning four points in a row from 3-5 down to win the second set’s tiebreak and level the dispute. The decider was again topsy-turvy, with Maria once again going up in front 4-2 just to be pegged back at 4-all by the tireless Romanian. At 4-all, the Russian found that extra something that saw her win Wimbledon aged 16. A second of confusion from Simona was all it took for the match to be over. Sharapova won two rapid love games and recaptured the Parisian crown. 

As said, this match had it all: stellar shot making, drama, swings in momentum, great fight backs, and, most important, emotion. Both players wanted the win so much that they gave it their all. The result was somehow fair: Maria won the crown, while Simona conquered hearts. Of course, Halep could have won the final. She was close. However she achieved something even more difficult-she won tons of hearts. Millions of people fell in love with her fabulous game. She’ll hopefully start collecting silverware soon. She is serious, hard-working, committed, and, most important, she plays with emotion. She won me over. I’m a fan! Go, Simona! Get yourself a Slam! You fully deserve it.

Sharapova, on the other hand, gave another lesson on what it means to want something bad, to refuse to give in. to believe in yourself, and to eventually prove yourself to the world as the great champion that you are. Her iron will got her the title, the fifth major of her career. And judging by her determination, this will probably not be the last one.

Both Simona Halep and Maria Sharapova played a fabulous match. They gave it their utmost all, but unfortunately, there could only be one winner. 

While Simona achieved the biggest performance of her career, Masha claimed her fifth Grand Slam crown and second Roland Garros title.

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#GenieArmy Takes over Paris

Following her breakthrough run in Australia, tennis darling, Eugenie Bouchard, continues to prove herself as a top contender by reaching her second consecutive Grand Slam semifinal.

Clay might not be her favourite surface, but Genie made headlines these past months, reaching the semifinals in Charleston before going on to claim her maiden WTA title in Nurnberg. Hoping to extend her winning streak at the French Open, the Canadian displayed her trademark explosive tennis beating a slew of fierce opponents. After dismissing Germans Julia Goerges and Angelique Kerber, the Canadian overcame clay-court specialist, Carla Suarez-Navarro, in an epic three-setter 7-6,2-6,7-5 to set up a clash with Russian Maria Sharapova in the last four.

Better prepared than in Australia, Bouchard was in for the win. She won the first set 6-4 and had chances in the second. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her opponent’s mental power, losing 4-6,7-5,6-2.

Despite the loss, the young Canadian is establishing herself as an all-rounder. Still in her early 20s, Genie represents one of the brightest prospects of the game. Wimbledon is her favourite Slam, so I wouldn’t be surprise to see her produce some more damage there. She also possesses that star quality, that mass-appeal that makes people instantly fall in love with her and her game. Already a worldwide fan-favourite, I see her become the cover figure of women’s tennis for the years to come. I foresee  the #GenieArmy will take over the world!

Although just 20 years old, Genie Bouchard showed she is way ahead of her age. The Canadian put on a fierce display to push Maria Sharapova all the way before finally succumbing 6-4,5-7,2-6. 

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Petko Gets Her Happy Ending

After making a much-anticipated return to the winning circle with her triumph in Charleston, Andrea Petkovic took another step toward regaining her place in the world’s elite. At this year’s French Open, the German saw a great opportunity arising when her side of the draw lost second-seeded Na Li. Li has been in excellent form this season, winning the Australian Open and establishing herself as a solid No.2, behind American Serena Williams. In a shock first round upset, the Chinese lost to home hope, Kristina Mladenovic. 

The result played very much in Petkovic’s favour who ended Mladenovic’s dream run in the third round. She then dug deep, having to rely on her vaster experience to succumb the stiff resistance of Dutch qualifier, Kiki Bertens, to reach the last eight. Andrea, a former three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, knew this was her chance to advance deeper into a major. She kept a clear head, went for her shots, was aggressive, inspired, and eventually got her reward. She played an incredibly precise match to stun former finalist, feisty Italian Sara Errani, 6-2,6-2 to reach her maiden Grand Slam semifinal.

Although she run out of steam against Romanian sensation, Simona Halep, Andrea’s performance at this year’s Roland Garros is nothing short of impressive. Her career was plagued by endless injuries and misfortunes, so I am more than excited to see her back, healthy, and playing at such a high level. She has the consistency and the game to reestablish herself as a regular top 10-er. Plus, she is so fun and witty. She is a great ambassador for women’s tennis. Welcome back, Petko! You've been missed!

Playing in her fourth Grand Slam quarterfinal, Petkovic beat Sara Errani 6-2,6-2 to finally take a step further and reach the semis.

Although she lost to Simona Halep, Andrea Petkovic completed a successful comeback from injury by recording her best performance of her career.

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The Importance of Being Ernests

I guess, the brutal truth is that Roger Federer has never quite got his feet going on clay. If it hadn't been for Robin Soderling's stunning upset of the almighty king Nadal in 2009, he probably wouldn't have completed a career Grand Slam. Having said this, I am not stressing that the Swiss is a poor clay-court player. Not at all, but the French Open has always been his Achilles heel. 

The same happened this season. After last year's shock defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals, Roger was determined to make amends. His run to the final in Monte Carlo announced him as a strong candidate for the trophy. After a few easy wins in Paris, things seemed well on track. 

Actually, everything was on track until Federer misplaced a smash at 7-6,5-3 40-15 against young gun, Latvian Ernests Gulbis. Cold-blooded Gulbis put that shot back into court, winning the point. That ball proved the turning point of the encounter, as the Latvian got himself back into the match breaking Federer's serve with an inspired display. He would go on to win that set and the set after, to build a commanding two-sets-to-one lead. Roger showed his class leveling the dispute, but a bit of a hesitation in the beginning of the decider proved costly, as his opponent capitalized on an early break to serve out the biggest win of his career. 

“It’s the biggest win of my career,” Gulbis confessed in an on-court interview. “Sorry I had to win. I know how everyone likes Roger. It was a tough match but this is sport. I’ve been playing very well in France. I won tournaments in Marseille and Nice, hopefully Paris is the next one.

"For my confidence and just for me as a tennis player, a five-set win over Roger Federer, it's really big. Hopefully it's going to change me that I become more confident about myself, you know, on a tennis court."

Gulbis, better known for the controversy surrounding him than for his on-court results, is determined to clear his reputation and to fulfill his prophecy. Since a few years now, he is expected to breakthrough and reach the pinnacle of men's tennis. Having reached his second Roland Garros quarterfinal, the Latvian goes on to face Czech Tomas Berdych. And judging by his solid results this season, he has a solid chance of advancing deeper into the draw.

Federer on the other side was clearly disappointed by this early exit. He now needs to refocus and get ready for Wimbledon, his favourite Grand Slam and the one that has the best chance of winning. Go Federer!

"I'm clearly very disappointed not to come through with the win," said Federer. "After the chance in the second set, fighting back in the fourth, not to play a better fifth set. There are a lot of regrets here now. But I think Gulbis did a good job of hanging around and clearly coming back in that second set was crucial for him, I think. It was a tough match and I'm disappointed I lost it."

Although his good form this season announced him as a strong contestant for the crown, Roger Federer saw his French Open campaign come to a sudden end when he failed to take his chances against Gulbis. The Swiss missed two chances to go two-sets-to-love up and that proved the turning point of the encounter.

The Latvian kept a cool head under pressure, derailing Federer to score the biggest win of his career. He won an epic encounter 6-7,7-6,6-2,4-6,6-3 to reach his second Roland Garros quarterfinal.

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Serena N'Est Parle Pas Plus Français Cette Année

A day after up-and-coming Kristina Mladenovic took out world No.2 and reigning Australian Open champion, Na Li, another rising star produced the shock of the tournament when she dismissed none other than the undisputed queen herself, American Serena Williams. Spanish Garbine Muguruza produced the performance of her lifetime to bruise aside the world No.1, 6-2,6-2.

Although Garbine has been pilling up great results this season—winning her maiden title in Hobart and reaching the fourth round in Melbourne—there was really nothing to announce this victory. The American seemed in solid form going into the meeting, having won in Rome just a week ago before crushing French teenager, Alizé Lim,  6-2,6-1 in the opening round. Plus, having lost in the fourth round Down Under, Williams was hungry to add another Grand Slam to her already impressive collection. And when she is hungry, there usually nothing standing in her way. Nothing but this talented, uninhibited Spanish player who took full advantage of her opponent’s error-strewn display to score the biggest win of her career. 

"It was one of those days," Williams said. "You know, you can't be on every day. I hate to be off during a Grand Slam, but it happens. It's not the end of the world. It is what it is.

"I love it here, but there's always next year. At least I won't have any points to defend next year, so I look forward to it.

"I'm going to go home and work five times as hard to make sure I never lose again."

What promised to be a family affair in the third round was quickly dismissed in a matter of hours, with both Williams sisters going out at more or less the same time—Venus lost a close battle to Slovakian teenager Anna Schmieldlova. 

Similar to what happen in 2012 when she was stunned by Virginie Razzano, Serena sees her Parisian adventure come to a sudden, early ending. It remains to be seen if she can make amends like she did last season when she went on to capture the title. The American did lose a bit of her invincibility this year, so I am curious how she will regroup for Wimbledon and if she will indeed fulfill her promise and go on to win the title. In the meantime, congrats to Garbine for keeping a clear head and closing out an amazing victory. It's never easy to beat Serena in a major!

A strong favourite to defend her crown, Serena saw her Parisian adventure come to an shocking end when she was defeated 6-2,6-2 by Spanish Garbine Muguruza.

While Serena was making tons of errors, Garbine remained focus and mentally strong to close out a pretty straight-forward win over her childhood idol.

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Ambitious Kiki Gets Biggest Win

France's young star Kristina Mladenovic has long been searching for a big breakthrough in singles. The two-time Grand Slam mixed-doubles champion is already a reputed doubles specialist, but Kiki has fallen behind in the last 12 months, being unable to establish herself as one of the leading ladies of the game.

So far this season has not been promising. In addition to winning the mixed-doubles title in Melbourne with Daniel Nestor, there's pretty much nothing to stand out in her resume. Nevertheless, tennis can be surprising at times, and sometime you get to win the lottery. All it takes is one great performance to put your career back on track. Just look at Halep's unbelievable rise after Rome 2013. Hopefully the same will happen with Mladenovic, who today stunned world No.2 and reigning Australian Open champion, Chinese Na Li, in the first round of the French Open.

"Look at this season. I went down in the rankings. I was in the Top 50 in the middle of last year, and I'm not longer in the Top 100. But it's only on paper. I've always believed in myself, and I still believed in myself today, and that's how I could put up such a good fight and play so well out there.

"I knew I had this in me. I'm very ambitious. I've never hidden that. And this is such a good win."

It was an extremely tough match for the Frenchwoman who held her nerve after a second set hiccup to eventually close out a 7-5,3-6,6-1 victory over her more prestigious opponent.

"It's definitely a huge thing for me, first round of a Grand Slam and at home at Roland Garros, and it's Li Na," Mladenovic said. "She's such a tough player, an amazing player, a Grand Slam champion. This is really big. You don’t beat Li Na every day."

Next up for Kiki is American Alison Riske and she the 2009 French Open junior champion is  determined to progress deep into the tournament. She has a huge game, a whipping serve and powerful groundstrokes on both wings. If she becomes more consistent, she can surely make the big jump. Hope she can keep up the momentum. Allez, Kiki!

Cheered by the partisan crowd, Kiki Mladenovic got the biggest win of her career, stunning world No.2 and reigning Australian Open champion, Chinese Na Li, 7-5,3-6,6-1 to progress to the second round of the French Open.

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Nadal Continues Joy Ride in Paris

Following a stellar comeback after his lengthy lay-off, Rafael Nadal has now achieved his goal for the season, successfully defended his French Open title with a straight sets 6-3,6-2,6-3 victory over his good friend and compatriot, David Ferrer. Ferrer was playing the best tennis of his career, reaching the most important final of his career without dropping a set.

Nadal secured his place in the history book, becoming the first player to win the same Grand Slam tournament eight times, strengthening thus his credentials as the best clay-court champion to have ever graced the court. Although he lost his Monte Carlo crown to arch-rival, Novak Djokovic, the Spaniard has been invincible since, winning titles in Barcelona, Madrid and Rome.

Is no secret that I am not a Nadal fan. However, no one can argue his incredible feat. Even though he struggled on some occasions, the Spaniard was impeccable when it mattered most. Probably the toughest test came in the semifinals, when he had to rely on all his experience, coming from a break down to overcome Djokovic in an epic battle that denied the Serb the opportunity to complete his Grand Slam collection. Rafa is now Novak's top contender for the season-ending No.1 spot.

Rafael Nadal did it again. The Spaniard won his eight crown at Roland Garros, becoming the first player in history to win a major for eight times.

Although David Ferrer did not surrender a set en route to the final, the Spaniard was unable to prevent his compatriot from successfully defending his French Open title. Nadal won 6-3,6-2,6-3.

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Unstoppable Serena Conquers Paris

When she's on, there's probably not a single player who can stand a chance against Serena Williams. I always believed that beating Serena is an extremely difficult, if not impossible task. Few have done it recently, and there are even fewer who have achieved the feat in a Grand Slam. 

Following her stunning defeat to Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano in the first round of the French Open last year, Serena had just one thing on her mind: vengeance. The American has had an impeccable clay-court season this year, winning titles in Charleston, Madrid and Rome, but she still needed to win Roland Garros to complete her revenge.

Although she always felt at ease in Paris, she only won the tournament once, in 2002, following a victory over her sister, Venus. Since then, she never made the finals, so she was determined to change her fortunes this year. When Serena sets her mind on something, there little to stop her and she proved it again during the fortnight. Careful to avoid any unexpected hiccups, the American was razor sharp from the first round, reaching the quarterfinals without dropping more than three games in a set. Although she was tested in the quarterfinals, she found a way to overcome former champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-1,3-6,6-3. Serena quickly regained her focus, crushing last year's runner-up, Italian Sara Errani, to make just her second Roland Garros final.

Cheered by her French boyfriend, coach Patrick Mouratoglu, Williams faced defending champion, Maria Sharapova, for the title. Sharapova gave it her all to make the last act, coming from behind to succumb Serbian Jelena Jankovic, respectively Victoria Azarenka, but all her resources were not enough to stop Serena, who was too strong. Even though she didn't play her utmost best, she remained calm under pressure, found her big serves, and ultimately close out a straight sets victory with her 10th ace.

Talking about the fact that her second Roland Garros crown came eleven years after her maiden success in Paris, Serena said: "I always practice weeks and years in advance. And now I've had 11 years to practice it! Actually 11 years ago I didn't even think I'd still be playing. I never thought I would play past 28, or something like that. But I'm still here. And this one was so good. It's the only one I hadn't won more than one of. Now I have multiple titles at every major, singles and doubles, so I'm really pumped."

Riding on her longest winning streak, 31 consecutive matches, Serena is now hot favourite to successfully defend her Wimbledon title. Probably the only one who can stop her is Azarenka, though if she maintains the level shown in Paris, she will be impossible to stop.

Following an impeccable clay-court season, Serena finally won her second French Open title, eleven years after claiming her maiden crown in 2002. The American world No.1 now holds 16 Grand Slam titles, two short of equaling Evert's and Navratilova's record.

Continuing her supremacy over Maria Sharapova, Serena beat the Russian defending champion 6-4,6-3 in the final. She received the Suzanne Lenglen Cup from clay-court legend, Spaniard Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario.

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Un Scoop de la Mode Parisienne

Every Grand Slam provides a great opportunity to talk not only about tennis, but also about fashion. With the French Open taking place in Paris, la capitale de la mode, everyone is expecting to put on their most sophisticated garments and to look their utmost best when they step onto the court. As we've experienced in past years though, see fashion scoops from 2011 and 2012, not everyone is leaving up to the challenge. 

My top 3 picks from this edition are, in no particular order, Serena Williams, Sloane Stephens and Ana Ivanovic. From the men, I liked Tsonga and Federer, but I also appreciated the nice colours showcased by Nadal (i.e. the peachy pink) and Djokovic (i.e. the mint green). The outfits I liked the least were Wozniacki's, Sharapova's and, sadly, Azarenka's, who was just too boring. There were of course some not-so-beautiful disasters, such as Monfils, Kuznetsova or tablecloth looking, Ryan Harrison. In terms of star colours, yellow maintained its supremacy, with orange being the alternative proposed by Nike.

The Ultimate Queen

Serena Williams - NIKE

The undisputed queen of the French Open, Serena Williams looked the part in an edgy grey dress to which she matched orange underpants and accessories. I like the use of the grey as it tones down the otherwise loudly coloured Serena. The look represents another good example of the mature Williams. Although she came a long way from her rebellious days, I really appreciate that she kept her edge, always delivering that trademark Serena style.

Electric Teen

Sloane Stephens - UnderArmour

Sloane Stephens is not only the leading teen of the next generation, she's also the next big tennis fashionista. The American is clearly not afraid of taking risks, or of getting creative with her fashion choices. She is making a powerful statement in this gorgeous electric yellow dress that is perfectly complementing her dark skin tone. Love the turquoise accessories, especially the pleaded head pieces. Sloane makes my top 3 picks from this year's Roland Garros.

Cool, Hip, Trendy, Fun

Ana Ivanovic - AdiZero

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - AdiZero

Ana Ivanovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga put Adidas in contention with their unique AdiZero apparel, specially designed for the French Open. I like both pieces, I think they're great. Ana opted for a more sophisticated, more elegant navy dress, while Tsonga kept true to his flamboyant self, looking sharper than ever in this navy-yellow ensemble.

Kristina Mladenovic - AdiZero

Although this dress is a few months old, I wanted to feature it to highlight another promising fashion prospect, teen sensation, Kristina Mladenovic. The Frenchwoman has a certain restless vibe that I resonate with. 

It's Black, It's White, It's Black&White

Laura Robson - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Maria Kirilenko - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Since the merger of the Barricade with the Stella McCartney line in January, fashion icon, Maria Kirilenko, and teen sensation, Laura Robsons, got their chance to shine in designer clothes. Following the great success of their previous apparel, both ladies continue to look stunning, this time in black&white ensembles. Although controversial, I think Stella brings a much needed touch of class to the tour. I might not like all her pieces (remember that horrible raffles dress?!), but overall I am a huge fan.

The Fall of the Dane

Caroline Wozniacki - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Once the joyful queen of women's tennis, Caroline Wozniacki is now miserable trying to recapture the form that took her to the top of the ranking just a few months ago. Benefiting from an exclusive Stella McCartney line, the Dane 'managed' to look doubtful in this confusing dress. To start with, I don't like this shade of blue, but the biggest issue I find is the colour blocking. The use of the beige in the lower front part is odd. I don't get it. It makes the entire look seem unconnected. A total miss from Wozniacki this time.

The Leading Gentlemen

Rafael Nadal - Nike

Rafael Nadal might be the best clay-court player in history, but he's not always the best dressed man. This time, he made a wise choice though, matching a peachy pink pair of shorts to a dusty grey T-shirt. I like the combo, it is cool and fresh.

Roger Federer - NIKE RF Group

Roger Federer stepped out of his comfort zone, opting for something other than a polo T-shirt. Although his outfit is not as loud as in previous years, see 2011 or 2012, I actually love the light violet of the T-shirt matched with the really small touches of neon green and the navy pants. Although he went slightly hipper than usual, the Swiss retained his class.

Grigor Dimitrov - NIKE

Sharapova's new boy toy, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, should give his girlfriend some style lessons. Grigor showcased a clean look that is perfect for his age. The young generation should be all about having fun, being hip and wearing cool clothes. The T-shirt is the show stopper.

Novak Djokovic - UNIQLO

I am not a fan of Novak's style, nor I am a fan of his Asian sponsor, but I did like the nice green mint of his 2013 French Open apparel. The colour looked really well in contrast to the dark red of the Parisian clay.

Improved JJ

Jelena Jankovic - Fila

I am the first one to comment on Jelena's doubtful fashion style, but this time the Serbian surprised me by wearing a really cool Fila garment. The navy dress is both classy and hip, plus I really appreciated the layering at the bottom that reveals the pink underskirt. Well done, JJ!

Boooring!

Victoria Azarenka - NIKE

Maria Sharapova - NIKE 'Maria Sharapova' Group

Although they are among the best female athletes of the planet, both Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova looked dull and uninspired in their Roland Garros garments. While for Sharapova this is an ongoing trend that sees her top the worst dressed list on a regular basis, Vika is actually one of my favourite fashionistas, the Belorussian usually putting together edgy, hip and extremely cool looks, e.g. the 2012 AO attire. However, while her dress is just boring, in the Russian's case, things are far worse. This cut is not working on her body. Maria looks fat and her big shoulders are emphasized in an unflattering manner. Maria, please go back to your former days of glory!

The Pink Panther

Venus Williams - EleVen

On a rather chilly day, the American had to dress up, so I think it is just unfortunate that Venus Williams got to look like the Pink Panther at this year's French Open. Although the result was not memorable, it made me want to see more. I was dying to check out her new EleVen look, but sadly she lost in the first round. I look forward to a great rebound at Wimbledon.

Oh Mon Dieux, Les Faux Pas

I might be accused of being biased when it comes to the big names, but none of the lesser known brands got to showcase at least some decent looks. Starting with Monfils' multi-coloured, ill-matched Asisc garments, continuing with Berdyc's blank H&M pieces and finishing with Kuznetsova's horrific experiment, all these guys are worthy occupants of the worst dressed list. To add to this, American Ryan Harrison decided to wear his tablecloth as pants. Smart move, Ryan!

Gael Monfils - Asics

Tomas Berdych - H&M

Ryan Harrison - NIKE

Svetlana Kuznetsova - Qiaodan

David Ferrer - Lotto

Although he got to shine brightly at this year's French Open, David Ferrer failed to look the part. Beaten by his good friend in his first Grand Slam final, the Spaniard suffered another blow when he ended up on the worst dressed list due to his ugly neon green T-shirt from Lotto. Horrible colour, you should know better David!

Bethanie Mattek-Sands - Unknown

Are you familiar the curious case of Bethanie Mattek-Sands? Well, let me reiterate. You take one fashionista-wannabe, you let her go wild with the fashion picks and what you get is a crazy-looking tennis player, a Lady Gaga of the tennis courts, a fashion case gonna terribly wrong, or better said, Bethanie Mattek-Sands. The hopeless American did it again, wearing several mis-matched tops, as well as her signature high socks.

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