Samantha Stosur and Francesca Schiavone, two players that played the final of the 2010 French Open, have now qualified for the singles competition at the Sony Ericsson Championships for the first time in their careers, although they had competed in doubles before.
Highlight of their season and of their careers is for sure the French Open final, which Stosur lost and Schiavone won, thus becoming the first Italian to win a Grand Slam title. In addition to the success in Paris, Stosur won her biggest career title at the Premier-level event in Charleston, while Schiavone won the tournament in Barcelona.
As for the rankings, this season Schiavone broke into the Top 10 for the first time, while Stosur reached a career-high of No.5.
There are two berths left in the elite eight singles field. Players who have qualified besides Stosur and Schiavone are Caroline Wozniacki, Vera Zvonareva, Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters. (source: Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, photos: Stephane Martinache)
