Maria Sharapova's semifinal loss to Ana Ivanovic means the French Open will not have the marquee final on Saturday of Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova. But it could also herald the arrival of a new tennis superstar in Ivanovic who swept aside Sharapova in Serena Williams-like fashion: 6-2, 6-1. Even though Maria had minimal clay preparation due to injury, I thought she had played her way into this tournament and might go all the way on her talent and ambition alone.
WRONG!
Easier to predict was Henin's 6-2, 6-2 win over fourth seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-2. It was Henin's 20th consecutive match win in Paris and on Saturday, she will attempt to become the first player since Monica Seles (1990-92) to win three times in Paris in a row. Henin also won in 2003 and is gunning for her sixth grand slam tournament overall.
"I love to win here. It's my favorite event," said Henin. "It was a dream for me to win it one time, and then I did it three times. And I have another opportunity."
I think it will be a Henin victory - straight sets.