Article sent by Nikola Radovic

Jelena Dokic and her great friend and doubles partner Nadia Petrova will try to make their dreams come true, when they start with their first round match against Tatiana Perebiynis of Ukraine and Ashley Harkleroad from USA.

The tournament that has a special part in Jelena and Nadia's heart, and heart of many tennis players is definitely something that will produce the best of Jelena and Nadia.

Their opponents, Tatiana Perebiynis of Ukraine, with career high in doubles (as of May 18, 2003): No. 55 (May 12, 2003-present), and Ashley Harkleroad from USA, with career high in doubles (as of June 23, 2003): No. 80, are representing a pair of two young and promising tennis players.

Even as a young players, their doubles career definitely deserves to be mentioned.
Tatiana Perebiynis is a winner of Tashkent open last year, and three times doubles finalist, including Bogota and Budapest earlier this year, while Ashley Harkleroad was semifinalist of three tournaments, and already twice this year, in Auckland at the beginning of current tennis season and in later in Charleston.

What to expect from this match?

Well, let's start from what many have first on their mind when Wimbledon is about, and that is weather. How things are looking for now, it seems that there will be no rain delays lately, though you can never be sure, so let's wait and see. The weather can play an important part in the match, so if the rain delay occurs, it is a big possibility that it will affect players momentum.

Also, on which court will match take the part? Will that be one of main courts? For the first round, definitely not, so even Tatiana Perebiynis and Ashley Harkleroad are young players, don't expect to see them disturbed by the importance of the court.

As already approved on the grass courts, this is definitely a match where anything but win is an upset for Jelena and Nadia. With their grass court skills, Nadia's current form and service game, and with Jelena's great history here and wish to prove herself, expect everything from this match, but expect a good tennis match with lots of good points.

Definitely where Tatiana Perebiynis and Ashley Harkleroad should look for their chances is to try from the beginning to change the pace of the balls and to try to mix it up as much as possible. Also they are still learning, so as this is a great experience for them, expect them to play with no pressure, and that can sometimes make a difference, but with quality Jelena and Nadia have, it's very much unlikely.

My pick: Jelena Dokic and Nadia Petrova will take full advantage of their power and skills, winning in two sets. I say 6-4, 6-2.

Please, feel free to enter our chat room during the match.