The 2004 French Open is now in the history books, and it will go down as one of the most bizarre Grand Slam tournaments ever. The women's final was an all-Russian affair, while the men represented Argentina. Many of the matches over the fortnight, including the finals, had some good and some bad and some ugly, and plenty of lessons that you can help your tennis game.
Here are the top headlines from Paris, and the lessons you can take away from the pro's.
Anastasia Myskina : Steady as She Goes
The sixth-seeded Russian doesn't have big-babe weapons like those of Williams, Davenport or Capriati, but she has determination, focus and patience...and a new French Open crown. Myskina saved match points early in the tournament, then upset hard-hitting No. 4 Venus Williams and No. 7 Jennifer Capriati, and she did it by being consistent and playing smart tennis. She constructed points with a purpose, using variations of pace and depth, and let her opponent make errors. In the final against countrywoman Elena Dementieva, Myskina employed the same tactics that got her to the final, while at the same time managing her nerves.
Gaston Gaudio : Don't Give Up, Ever!
The moral of this story is: (1) Never say Never, and (2) You Gotta Believe. Not many people picked the 44th ranked ATP tour veteran as the last man standing in a field that included Rodger Federer, Andy Roddick, Guillermo Coria, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya and Andre Agassi. He wasn't even seeded, and Gaudio himself didn't believe. But it was Gaudio who got the last laugh, and look who's holding the trophy now. After being blown away by Coria in the first two sets of the final, Gaudio played a good game in the third set, relaxed a little with the help of the crowd who wanted to see more tennis, built up some momentum when his opponent was cramping in the fourth, found his game and managed his nerves in the fifth set, and outlasted the guy who everyone picked to win the tournament. It's probably safe to say that Gaudio finally believes.
Martina/Arantxa/Sandrine : One For the Veterans
In the age of teenage tennis sensations, score one for the old ladies. Martina Navratilova competed in singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles, all at the age of 47. That's half the age of most tour players. 3-time French Open winner Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario came out of retirement for women's and mixed as well, and played some competitive matches at 32 years of age. Another 32-year-old and ex-tour veteran, Frenchwoman Sandrine Testud, equaled the effort of Navratilova, competing in all three events, falling in the semifinals of the women's doubles. The efforts of these ladies proves the point that age doesn't always matter. If you are in good health and have a positive attitude, you can do anything you put your mind to.
Williams/Corria : Everyone is Beatable
Justine Henin-Hardene and Juan Carlos Ferrero were the defending French Open champions, and both lost in the second round. Venus Williams had a 19-match win streak going on clay, and had never before lost to Anastasia Myskina, but self-destructed to the Russian in the quarterfinals. Guillermo Coria was a heavy favorite going into the men's final, but couldn't deliver when it counted, losing to underdog Gaston Gaudio. It goes to show you that every player, no matter what their record or reputation, can be beat on any given day. It is impossible to play perfect tennis every time we walk out on court. The best players are those who can find a way to win, even if they have an off day. The smart players are those who can step it up when the favorite isn't playing well, manage their nerves and record an upset.
Tim Henman : Grass Court Tennis on Clay
Tim Henman finally woke up and realized he was in Paris, where they play on clay, not grass. What an awesome run the ninth seed had, reaching the semifinals before falling to Guillermo Coria in four sets. Henman is a fixture at Wimbledon, where his classic serve-volley game takes him deep into the second week year after year. On clay though, that style game is rarely on display, and for Henman to ride it all the way to the semis says tons about where his head is at. The bottom line is you've got to stick with the weapons you have and have confidence in yourself. If you don't have a natural clay court game, then don't try to force it. Play within your abilities and use your strengths to help you win.
This is just a sample of the many noteworthy events and personalities of the 2004 French Open. It was a fairytale ending for two first-time Grand Slam winners in one of the more unpredictible tournaments we've ever seen. You can reflect back on photos, results and stats by visiting the official French Open website.
Have fun on the courts!
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