Presentation

The OPEN GDF SUEZ enters a new era with the retirement of Amélie Mauresmo. She captured her 25th and last trophy last year at Coubertin, a stadium she charmed throughout her career. The 18th OPEN GDF SUEZ held from February 6th to the 15th couldn’t dream of a more prestigious leading lady than Serena Williams, indisputable world no. 1 with titles in 2009 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the WTA Tour Championships.

The American has strong ties to Paris. This year marks her sixth appearance at the OPEN GDF SUEZ. With titles in 1999 and 2003, a third title in 2010 would tie her in the record books with Amélie Mauresmo, the player she beat in both previous finals. It would be a fitting storyline for a tournament that has built its legend on being a bridge between generations.

As always, however, the playing field will be extremely tough at Coubertin with several women trying to make sure that doesn’t happen. 2010 is the Year of Russia in France. It could also be the year of beautiful Russian, Elena Dementieva. After defeating Amélie Mauresmo last year in a spectacular final, the world no. 5 and one of the players most loyal to the OPEN GDF SUEZ will be back this year. A familiar face at the WTA Tour Championships and the latter stages of Grand Slams, the Russian might finally lift the trophy this year.

To come through, she’ll have to stave off a field of tough competitors led by Yanina Wickmayer, who enjoyed an amazing breakthrough year in 2009 with a run to the US Open semifinals that rocketed her into the world top 20.

French hopefuls include Virginie Razzano, a recurrent player at the Open, who also showed last year she was among the finest in the world. She will have high hopes in Paris this year. Other French players in the draw include Aravane Rezai, fresh off a title at the Tournament of Champions in Bali, and Alizé Cornet who came up just short of the semis last year after giving Jelena Jankovic a big scare in the quarters. Three talents with three different games will make sure France is well represented.

The week of tennis will be highlighted by a tribute to Amélie Mauresmo, who will be coming to bid a final farewell to her Parisian fans. Coubertin is highly anticipating what is sure to be an emotional moment, as well as all the other surprises tournament organizers typically have lined up fans.