Sandrine照片 http://www.rolandgarros.com/images/pics/large/b_h0524_galerie03.jpg http://www.rolandgarros.com/images/pics/large/b_h0524_galerie05.jpg Henin shakes the rust off - Sharapova through By Matt Cronin Monday, May 24, 2004 Defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne shook off a heavy layer of rust and overcame a spirited challenge from French veteran Sandrine Testud to move into the second round on Monday. Russian teen and 18th seed Maria Sharapova also pulled through with a 6-3 6-0 wipeout of Austrian Barbara Schwartz. In a registering a 6-4 6-4 victory, Henin came back from a break down in the first set and managed to hang tough in brutish rallies despite rarely displaying the form that brought her to the title here last year. After spending the last six weeks recovering from a debilitating virus, Henin's high-flying, risky attack was often muted, but she played intelligently and courageously enough to pull off the victory. "The only thing I wanted to do was win," said Henin, who hadn't played since losing to Amelie Mauresmo at Amelia Island in early April. "The fact that I won, my job is done for the day. It's not an easy situation to be back here in Paris playing against Sandrine who has nothing to lose. Many times we have seen players who have had trouble in their first matches at the Grand Slams. It doesn't matter for the rest of the tournament because I think it's going to give me the confidence and rhythm that I need." One of the few active mothers on tour, Testud played an aggressive and often brilliant match, but failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities. Henin committed many more unforced errors than she usually does, but once she felt comfortable running and setting up for mid-court balls, she dictated play. "I need a lot of rallies to be in a good rhythm, not be impatient and take the time to organize my game," Henin said. "I need to hit a lot of balls." The Belgian has won three out of the last four Grand Slams, but although she is the top seed here, isn't positive that she can find the potent game that brought her to No1. Henin only went back on court three weeks ago and just started doing full on and off court workouts last week. For a player who has made a living out of outlasting players with her quick feet and toned physique, she’ll have a tall mountain to climb in order to repeat here. Henin said the first week of the tournament will be all about survival. "The next few matches are going to be very important," she said. “Then if I have a chance to go to the second week, I think I'll get the confidence that I need. I want to stay positive and say what happened was a good thing." The veteran Testud said that if the Belgian can avoid an early upset, she has to the goods to go all the way. "I think she has enough confidence in herself that if she wins the next two or three rounds, then she's going to be dangerous," Testud said. Sharapova hasn't had a standout year on clay, but has somewhat quietly climbed into the top 20 and with blowtorch strokes, could do damage here. "I'm not the biggest fan of playing on clay, bit I am learning and that's another challenge for me," Sharapova said. "I think I can develop so many things with my game." --

※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 140.112.234.152