Oberon's Grove: Allez, Amelie!

I love Mauresmo; I've admired her for years while she worked her way slowly up the rankings. That she had huge talent was never in question, but she tended not to be able to make that last break-through. She was near the top but that championship aura just eluded her. This year she did it: the Australian Open win was slightly tainted by Henin-Hardenne's retirement but at Wimbledon Mauresmo was the undisputed queen.

Last night, Mauresmo beat Serena Williams. Serena's been doing amazingly well especially in view of the fact that she hasn't played a lot of tennis this year. Mauesmo took the first set, but then Serena started a surge. I think possibly Amelie let Serena run herself ragged and expend all her energies in the second set - Serena took it 6-0 - the Mauresmo came back and stomped Williams out in the third set.

Of the Williams sisters, I vastly prefer Venus to Serena. I think Venus is a great athlete, fun to watch and the more genuine of the two. Serena looks like she has packed on some weight in the butt and her outfit, pretty in itself, was not flattering as it accentuates her big bosom and derriere. Amelie, in her simple attire, looked the champion while Serena looked like she was heading for a nightclub. Minor detail, I suppose.

Anyway, I always feel in tennis that on a given day anyone could beat anyone. There are so many factors: for all the skill & stamina involved, I always think pure luck plays a part in the outcome. Amelie has tough matches ahead; so today I wish her "Bonne chance!"