ARTICLE French Open champions shrouded in shadows of doubt
Twelve months after blazing to French Open glory, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Justine Henin-Hardenne begin the defence of their singles titles next week knowing they are prime suspects for shock opening round defeats.
Gritty Spaniard Ferrero and tough Belgian Henin-Hardenne have endured a nightmare scenario in their build-up to the second Grand Slam of the season.
Ferrero, usually so supreme on clay, hasn't played since losing in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters, where he was defending champion, four weeks ago and has skipped events in Barcelona, Rome and Hamburg as he battles to recover from a wrist injury.
That setback followed his withdrawal from the Indian Wells and Miami Masters because of chicken pox.
To add insult to his injuries, Ferrero also lost his grip on the Estoril title where he laid bare his frustrations.
"I felt uncomfortable on the court," said Ferrero after his 6-2, 6-1 capitulation in the semi-finals to countryman Fernando Verdasco.
"It was one of the worst days Ive had in a long time."
Ferrero's lack of firepower will provide world number one and Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Roger Federer with his best opportunity yet to win here.
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>> full article
Not a very positive article but best to keep the whole picture in mind, the good and the bad ^^
Twelve months after blazing to French Open glory, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Justine Henin-Hardenne begin the defence of their singles titles next week knowing they are prime suspects for shock opening round defeats.
Gritty Spaniard Ferrero and tough Belgian Henin-Hardenne have endured a nightmare scenario in their build-up to the second Grand Slam of the season.
Ferrero, usually so supreme on clay, hasn't played since losing in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters, where he was defending champion, four weeks ago and has skipped events in Barcelona, Rome and Hamburg as he battles to recover from a wrist injury.
That setback followed his withdrawal from the Indian Wells and Miami Masters because of chicken pox.
To add insult to his injuries, Ferrero also lost his grip on the Estoril title where he laid bare his frustrations.
"I felt uncomfortable on the court," said Ferrero after his 6-2, 6-1 capitulation in the semi-finals to countryman Fernando Verdasco.
"It was one of the worst days Ive had in a long time."
Ferrero's lack of firepower will provide world number one and Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Roger Federer with his best opportunity yet to win here.
[...]
>> full article
Not a very positive article but best to keep the whole picture in mind, the good and the bad ^^
