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Article written by Glyn James
J&S Cup Preview:Welcome to Warsaw -This week, Jelena travels to Warsaw, Poland for the J&S Cup. It has been promoted from a Tier III last year to a high Tier II event this year with $700,000 at stake for prize money (Most Tier II events only offer $585,000). The tournament is the first of the European clay court season, and this time, it will be played on the red clay, as opposed to the green clay that the previous tournaments in the States have been played on. The tournament has replaced Hamburg's dates and rank after some licence change around. For details on tickets and on how to get to the venue, visit the tournaments official website at http://www.jandscup.pl/eng/index.html and simply click on either 'tickets' or 'tournament site.' The tournament director is Ryszard Fijalkowski, and he can be contacted at rfijalkowski@jandscup.pl. As for sponsorships, J&S Energy is obviously the title sponsor, whilst Renault and Dunlop make up the other well known sponsors. Jelena and Warsaw -Jelena defends 154 points this week, after reaching the SF and withdrawing from injury in Hamburg this time last year. As the number 4 seed, Jelena is expected to reach the semi-finals, but 2003 has taught us that Jelena rarely lives up to her seeding. Jelena has had a week to prepare for this tournament following last week's Fed Cup competition, so will we see a fresh Jelena ready and hungry for some success? The truth is, we don't know. The speculation concerning Jelena's desire to make a shock return to Australia certainly won't make Jelena sleep any easier. Once again, despite Damir not being around, Jelena finds herself the subject of some more tabloid headlines, and I doubt that her boyfriend, Enrique's quotes have done a lot of good. It's merely throwing more fuel into the fire, even though the lad was clearly just trying to defend his lady. Physically though, Jelena should be feeling more relaxed and re-energised. With the aid of a good draw, Jelena could pull a decent performance out of the bag this week, and one which might just conjure up some hope for the biggies in Rome and Paris which are becoming increasingly nearer (that's the concept of time for you). The Draw -Warsaw Draw
I guess now would be the time to menton that Conchita Martinez has pulled out. So, an encouraging draw for Jelena. Myriam Casanova defeated De Los Rios in a tight three setter earlier today, so that's her 2rd opponent clarified. She shouldn't pose too much of a threat for Jelena, at least not half as much as the next round opponent will. Magui Serna looks set to make the QF, on the back of an 11-0 streak. The Spaniard really has hit some form, and in standard Spanish style, she is superb on the clay. Serna will however be rather tired. She's played a lot more than Jelena this year and maybe Jelena's break last week will be enough to see her through to a SF. There she would most likely meet Mauresmo before coming up against Venus. I'm sure Jelena would be content with a SF appearance this week. Anything less though, and she'll be understandably disappointed. Conclusion -Jelena will need to work hard this week. Whether she can forget about that situation concerning Australia and focus on her tennis will be key. Jelena has overcome this type of mental stress in the past, and maybe it's what she needs right now. She has a point to prove, and after a week's rest, we must expect a strong performance from Jelena this week. ------------------------------------------- Prediction -1rd - Bye 2rd - Jelena def. Casanova in two QF - Jelena def Serna in three SF - Mauresmo def. Jelena in two F - Venus def. Mauresmo in three ----------------------------------------- comments: glyn_james@jelena-dokic.com |
