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France -> for the week of May 25th

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PLEASE SEND YOUR STROKES!

ENTRY LIST

Nadjagina - Pamela Montez
Natash. - Amandine Hesse
Geoffery91 - Kristina Mladenovic
Hashim. - Urszula Radwanska
ViennaCalling - Nikola Hofmanova
no mercy!!!!! - Michelle Larcher de Brito
E.Dementieva_FAN - Timea Babos

MAIN DRAW

[1]P. Montez - bye
T. Babos def. [4]U. Radwanska 6-3, 1-6, 6-0
N. Hofmanova def. [3]K. Mladenovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-5
M. Larcher de Brito def. [2]Hesse 2-6, 6-0, 6-3

[1]P. Montez def. T. Babos 6-3, 6-1
M. Larcher de Brito def. N. Hofmanova 6-3, 6-4

[1]P. Montez def. M. Larcher de Brito 6-2, 4-6, 6-2

Roland Garros Junior Championships Preview

Favorite(s)

http://www.cotecc.org.sv/galerias/JITIC_2007/Pamela_Montez_(MEX).jpg
Pamela Montez:
Besides a blowout loss to Kristina Mladenovic at the Orange Bowl, no doubt Pamela has been the best junior player so far this year. She wins most of her matches in three straights however but that is due to her great fitness. She has won titles in Trinidad and Japan and has even already been the first junior to beat a pro!(Justine Henin). She is the huge favorite to take the title but the question is: Can she break through on the big stage?

http://www.fft.fr/cms/ColdData/docs/59/5968.jpg
Amandine Hesse
It is definitely arguable that Amandine Hesse may have been the best junior player this year. From the get-go Amandine has been dominating the tour. She got national attention after winning big at the Orange Bowl in Miami. She has also snagged titles in Malta and Taiwan. If we go on the stats, the only thing that is blocking her from the title is Pam Montez who is the only person she has lost to this year. The Parisian crowd will be jeering for Amandine to come through but the question is: How will she handle the pressure?

Contender(s)

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Kristina Mladenovic
Kristina has been silently having a great season. She's been really consistent. But with the domination of Pam Montez and Amandine Hesse over the tour, she hasn't been able to snag a title. If she becomes more dedicated to the tour, I think that she will become a much bigger threat. However, her coach and she came up with a new strategy for Roland Garros and will be looking to win big. So the question mark on her is: Can she beat the big dogs in Montez and Hesse? She won't have as much pressure from the Parisian crowd as their eyes will be on Hesse. Plus, she has World #2 Ai Sugiyama in her box. What bad can that do?

Darkhorse(s)

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Urzula Radwanska

She has been having an up-and-down season so far. She started so well making finales at the exhibition tourney and the Orange Bowl(l. to Hesse). After she went on a bit of a mini-slump. However after an encouraging showing in Taiwan where in the semifinals where she almost upset Amandine Hesse in a thriller, we believe she's back on track. With a good draw, she can do some damage.

http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/img/2007/03/Dep/micheall.jpg
Michelle Larcher de Brito

She has had problems with her coaches on this tour. She has had three different coaches but she seems to have found the right one in no mercy!!!!!. She also had a good start to the season as well making the Malta final. After missing a few weeks to sort her problems out, she took a Wildcard into Taiwan and upset Hofmanova beforing pushing Mladenovic to three sets in the semis. With a good draw, she can make it deep but drawing Hesse in round 1 doesn't bode well on her chances.

Sleeper(s)

http://www.itftennis.com/shared/medialibrary/image/gallery/IO_21265_gallery.JPG
Nikola Hofmanova

The Austrian has all of the talent in the world but she has troubles putting it together on the court. She has had trouble all season but has showed signs of light. She scored her biggest win over Kristina Mladenovic who coincidently is her first round opponent. Possible upset in the making?

http://www.mtsztenisz.hu/_Images/000002281_babosannecy.jpg.jpg
Timea Babos

She has had a lot of trouble in her transition to her junior tour. As of now, she is in a big slump. She has a tough draw with the ever-improving Radwanska in round 1 but this might the win she needs to turn her year around. She tends to do well in a set but then run out of gas in the next two. She needs to work on her overall fitness and game if she wants to improve.

MY PREDICTIONS

[1]P. Montez def. bye/WC
[4]U. Radwanska def. T. Babos in 2

[3]K. Mladenovic def. N. Hofmanova in 2
[2]A. Hesse def. M. Larcher de Brito in 3

[4]U. Radwanska def. [1]P. Montez in 3
[2]A. Hesse def. [3]K. Mladenovic in 3

[2]A. Hesse def. [4]U. Radwanska in 3

I don't know if anyone is following the schedule but there was supposed to be three tournaments in Spain, France, and Slovakia prior to Roland Garros. But since the pros are playing it this week, I decided to postpone them until after the French. They will be played in the weeks prior to Wimbledon. ;)

Also I'm looking for one more person to play so we can have a full-8 draw! If you do decide to play and send points, you will get a Wildcard and first 1st seeded Pam Montez in R1! If not, Pam Montez will have a berth into the semis due to a bye. :)

7 players is good for a start but by the US Open I would like to have at least 12 players. :D I don't think it's too much to ask ... It'll increase ATT's popularity and will make it more fun for me to run. :) So I do encourange some of you to encourage the other players to play the Juniors as well. :)

We were going to have a WC in Palyvuchenkova but since she hasn't sent yet, she will play next tournament!

Pam Montez is in the semis on virtue of a bye. :)
First round results coming up ...:)

R1: [4]Urszula Radwanska vs. Timea Babos

http://letoltes.forumcsoport.hu/576/babos_timea_sf.jpg/babos_timea_sf.jpg

Babos def. [4]Radwanska 6-3, 1-6, 6-0

What an upset! :eek: These two played last week in Taiwan and Urszula won comfortably! :eek: This time around Timea had lady luck all on her side. :eek: After splitting the first two sets, Timea picked up her level significantly and rolled through the final set. I still think that her points need work though. :p

Congrats Timea! :worship:
Urszula :hug: Bad luck.

Great previews! :hearts:

R1: [3]Kristina Mladenovic vs. Nikola Hofmanova

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Hofmanova def. [3]Mladenovic 3-6, 6-3, 7-5

One of the French hopes are out. :awww: But not with its added share of drama. Kristina had 3 MPs at 5-2 in the third but the fiesty Austrian never gave in. The coin toss at 5-4 in the third was crucial as if Kristina won it, she would've taken the match. :( It was unfortunate draw for Kristina. :awww: So far in their careers, Nikola has owned her. :p

Congrats, Nikola! :worship:
Kristina :hug:

R1: [2]Amandine Hesse vs. Michelle Larcher de Brito

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2007/0321/ten_g_Larcherde_275.jpg
:eek:Larcher de Brito def. [2]Hesse 2-6, 6-0, 6-3:eek:

Michelle drops to her knees after scoring probably the biggest in of the tournament. :worship: After dropping the first set, Michelle took her game to the next gear. :eek: Using her powerful groundstrokes, she powered through the young Frenchie to make the semifinals. :eek: The Portuguse is now in the semis and will face Nikola Hofmanova for a spot in the finals. :yeah:

Well done, Michelle! :worship:
Amandine :sad: :hug: Maybe your chance will come at Wimbledon. ;)

Michelle. :yeah: Nice work. :D

All of the seeds who played in round 1 have been upset. :rolls: There goes my predictions. :lol:

Pamela's road to the title got that much easier. :p Buit there is a slew of dangerous floaters who can take the title. Semifinals coming up soon. :)

How is Pam the #1 seed though?

How is Pam the #1 seed though?

I understand where you are coming from. :hug:

To me you can be #1 since you won more titles but I gave it to her since Pam Montez had beat you. :hug:

Oh well. :sad: :shrug:

Good luck to the rest of the players. :wavey: :)

Oh well. :sad: :shrug:

Good luck to the rest of the players. :wavey: :)

I'm really sorry. Sometimes that is they way it is. :sad:

I hope you understand. :sad: :hug:

How is Pam the #1 seed though?

I'm really sorry Natash:sad::sad::sad:... but you will win a GS pretty soon you'll see:D:D:D... but will all this upsets and a lot of "new" great players with some interesting results I'm afraid about Pam...:help:

:sad:

Semifinals have been completed ...:)

I'll try to post soon but if not later ...;)

SF: [1]Pamela Montez vs. Timea Babos

http://www.cotecc.org.sv/galerias/JITIC_2007/Pamela_Montez_(MEX).jpg

[1]Montez def. Babos 6-3, 6-1

Pam has handled the pressure beautifully in this really smooth semifinal win. The scary part is that she could've won even easier :speakles: had she won some of the coin tosses. :eek: Pam continues to show her invicibility with another win and is now the first to advance to our first Junior Grand Slam final!

Congrats, Pam! :worship:
Timea :hug: You did well to completely prove me wrong. ;)

SF: Nikola Hofmanova vs. Michelle Larcher de Brito

http://infordesporto.sapo.pt/Imagens/199258.jpg
Larcher de Brito def. Hofmanova 6-3, 6-4

Michelle backed up her great win over Hesse with a comprehensive win over the young Austrian hope. Nikola held a lead of 4-3 in the second but completely fell apart afterwards. Michelle's aggressive strategy has gotten her this far and will compete against World #1 Pam Montez for the junior French Open!

Congrats, Michelle! :worship:
Nikola :hug: You did well to prove me wrong too. ;) But it was a little too late with your points again. :awww: So I hope you do try to correct them for next time. :)

:sobbing:

OMG Pam!!!:bounce::bounce::bounce::):):)

I was expecting a very difficult match against Timea:kiss::kiss::kiss:
Now the revelation of the tournament Michelle in the final...:D:D:D I don't feel very great about this match but I'll try my best... good luck Michelle!!!;););)

I've already completed the final :devil: and it will be done with live scores! :hearts:

I'll try to post it asap but I have to leave now! ;)

I'm really sorry Natash:sad::sad::sad:... but you will win a GS pretty soon you'll see:D:D:D... but will all this upsets and a lot of "new" great players with some interesting results I'm afraid about Pam...:help:

Oh don't worry. :hug:

You deserve the #1 seeding just as much as I did. :) You've beaten me already as well so :cool:

Win it. :yeah:

Live scores for the final between [1]Pam Montez and Michelle Larcher de Brito to begin shortly ...:bounce:

ROAD TO FINALE...
[1]Pam Montez
R1: bye
SF: def. Babos 6-3, 6-1.

Michelle Larcher de Brito
R1: def. [2]Hesse 2-6, 6-0, 6-3.
SF: def. Hofmanova 6-3, 6-4.

Who is going to win? Will it be Pam whom will be the fresher of the two having only played one match? Or will it be Michelle whom has played two matches and maybe more match tough?

Oh don't worry. :hug:

You deserve the #1 seeding just as much as I did. :) You've beaten me already as well so :cool:

Win it. :yeah:

I think Amandine deserves a spot on your signature btw. :p

F: [1]Pamela Montez vs. Michelle Larcher de Brito

1-0 Montez
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2-0
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2-1
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3-1
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4-1*
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4-2
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5-2 SP#1 for Montez
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Game & Set [1]Montez 6-2

I think Amandine deserves a spot on your signature btw. :p

She will be there soon. :hearts: From what I've heard, she has a great game. :yeah:

F: [1]Pamela Montez vs. Michelle Larcher de Brito

1-0* Montez
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1-1
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1-2 Larcher de Brito
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2-2
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2-3 Larcher de Brito
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2-4
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3-4
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x
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4-4 :eek:
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x
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4-5 SP#1 for Larcher de Brito
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Game & Set Larcher de Brito 6-4.

She will be there soon. :hearts: From what I've heard, she has a great game. :yeah:

Oh so you don't really know her game yet? :)
What inspired you to choose her then? :p :)

Btw, the conclusion of the final is coming up ...:eek: :bounce:

F: [1]Pamela Montez vs. Michelle Larcher de Brito

0-1 Larcher de Brito
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1-1
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2-1 Montez
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2-2*
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3-2 Montez
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4-2
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5-2 CHAMPIONSHIP PT#1 for Montez
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x
http://www.cotecc.org.sv/galerias/JITIC_2007/Pamela_Montez_(MEX).jpg
:worship:GAME, SET, CHAMPIONSHIP [1]PAMELA MONTEZ:worship:
6-2, 4-6, 6-2

Pam continues rolling through grabbing her 3rd junior title and her first Grand Slam! She started out the much more comfortable player pushing Michelle into errors and playing with great controlled aggression. It was Michelle stepping up in the second set, never giving Pam a chance at a lead though it did get close. Michelle was able to keep it close at the start of the third with the help of a lucky net cord that just landed inside the court for the winner! :eek: But it was Pam's experience that helped her grab the next four games and the championship! :worship:

Congrats, Pam! Solidifying the #1 spot just nicely! :bounce: :worship:
Michelle :hug: Proven that Amandine is not invincible and can be beaten with a good tactic. ;) Making the tour that more interesting and competitive. :drool: Now someone has to beat Pam. :p :drool:

Oh so you don't really know her game yet? :)
What inspired you to choose her then? :p :)

Btw, the conclusion of the final is coming up ...:eek: :bounce:

She's French. :hearts: I like her style with the bracelets and the pics I've seen. I've sort of seen short clips of her but not enough to tell what kind of game she has. I only read a report. Great forehand, nice court sense. Needs to work on shot selection.

And!

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1312/amandine02thgk3.jpg

Pam! :woohoo: Amazing job. :yeah: Dominating the tour really nicely. :)

Nice to know Natash. ^^ :yeah: :)

And that concludes our first Junior Grand Slam! :hearts: Pamela Montez continues her magic over the other junior girls! :hearts: However, it had its added share of drama which was the seed exodus in round one. #2 seed Amandine Hesse, #3 Kristina Mladenovic, and #4 Urszula Radwanska were all ousted by their unseeded opponents! Both Frenchies were unable to make the SF at their home country's event. Michelle Larcher de Brito also caught headlines by making the final and will be looking to continue her success in the next tournaments!

Pam!!!:bounce::bounce::bounce: I'm so happy:drool::drool::drool:

Congrats Michelle it was a very nice match:D:D:D

Pam!!!:bounce::bounce::bounce: I'm so happy:drool::drool::drool:

Congrats Michelle it was a very nice match:D:D:D

Pam deserves a spot on your signature with Melissa. :p