Italian fifth seed Francesca Schiavone began the defence of her French Open crown with a confident 6-2 6-0 victory over world No.88 Melanie Oudin.
The 19-year-old American, who became famous during her 2009 Wimbledon and US Open runs which she hasn’t been able to repeat ever since, was tipped as a possible test for Schiavone. However, she won only two games against the defending champion, and hit six winners to Schiavone’s 25.
Schiavone’s opponent in the second round will be either Anne Keothavong or Vesna Dolonts.
If you think Schiavone has a chance to repeat her last year’s extraordinary feat and win the French Open, vote for her in our poll. (photo: Stephane Martinache)
Oudin is a disappointing case although she’s still very young so who knows, maybe she’ll be able to step it up.
I’m not so sure about Oudin, the problem is that she really has no what people say big weapon and now she plays just like most of other players outside top 30 do. In 2009 she had great results because she was inspired by the big stage, she didn’t have anything to loose and wasn’t making a lot of mistakes. After, she was out of form and under big pressure. So, she’s gonna have to work very hard to repeat that success, and I doubt she will, although she is still young.
I share your scepticism, Mirjana. Oudin has not been able to cope with all the media exposure she probably received after she won. I think she’ll be out of top 100 in the end of this season if nothing changes.
I watched Melanie Oudin take apart Julia Goerges 2 months ago in Miami. Marine seems to be prejudiced against American players. First her tirade against Bethany Mattek Sands now this. Melanie lost to the defending champion, not some low ranked Swede!!
I think the fans expectations were way too high after her crushing victories over the Russians at the US Open. She’s better by far than the 3 Americans mentioned by Lucinda and will battle Bethany and Vania for best American player.