Mauresmo keeps French hopes alive By Araz Gulekjian Sunday, May 30, 2004 Third seeded Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo set up a quarter final clash with Russian Elena Dementieva after her 6-1 6-2 dismantling of Bulgarian Magdalena Maleeva on Sunday. An entire nation holds its breath as the Frenchwoman now heads into the second week with her best chance ever to capture her first Grand Slam crown and emulate childhood idol Yannick Noah. Noah was the last Frenchman to win at Roland Garros in 1983. “It’s good to be in the quarter finals but I want to go further,” Mauresmo said. The feisty Dementieva will attempt to derail her in her march. The 22-year-old Russian, who had never progressed past the round of 16 here in six attempts, posted an upset victory over fifth-seeded American veteran Lindsay Davenport. The 27-year-old American was never able to make a dent in the Russian’s armor because of an ailing right knee she tweaked in her match. Dementieva appreciates the daunting task that now awaits her, but is looking forward to showcasing her talent, possibly on a big show court. “It’s going to be very difficult to play against her here in Paris,” said Dementieva. “She’s in great shape. It’s going to be very difficult for me.” “She has great support from the public. Maybe for the first time, I’m going to play on center court. I never played there so I’m very excited about it.” Dementieva and Mauresmo have played each other seven times with the Frenchwoman leading their rivalry 5-2. She beat the Russian for the last time at the WTA Tour Championships in Los Angeles last November. “We know each other pretty well for having competed many times,” Mauresmo said. “I’ll have to stay alert, play with discipline and not let her dictate play.” With her draw wide open now after World No1 Justine Henin-Hardenne’s early defeat along with Davenport’s downfall, Mauresmo has a golden opportunity to slide right into the final for a possible clash with one of the mighty US players, the Williams sisters or Jennifer Capriati. Davenport is adamant that Mauresmo could beat anyone, making the French woman the clear favorite alongside US rival Venus Williams. “I think Amelie is playing very, very well,” Davenport said. “People make their breakthrough sooner or later to win a Grand Slam. It certainly seems like in my mind, it’s her and Venus as the top two favorites right now.” "Venus seemed like she was getting back right before she got hurt in the final of Berlin. She seemed to find her range again and be really dominant. Serena (sister Serena Williams) is still looking for it.” “I see those four. The top two, I would see Venus and Amelie. And then Serena and Jennier (Capriati). It’s going to be interesting to see. They all have an equal shot.” --

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