Top Stars Show for WTA San Diego Stop

Posted on July 26, 2004

This week in San Diego has become a big deal on the WTA Tour, with the event upgraded to "Tier I" status earlier this year, attracting an ATP Masters Series-type field of exclusive top players. "We are all excited about this upgrade to Tier I status," said former ATP exec Larry Scott, the WTA's chief executive officer. "This tournament is a favorite among players, staff and the media, and this upgrade in tier status further solidifies it as one of the premier WTA Tour events." Then why isn't it part of the US Open Series point system Larry? You need to get your ducks in order, get control of your events.

The top eight seeds get byes in San Diego, relegating early-round action to the No. 9-16 scrub seeds. The Top 8 in S.D. are Serena Williams (still benefiting from a protected ranking in the tournament seedings), Amelie Mauresmo, Anastasia Myskina, Lindsay Davenport, Elena Dementieva, Maria "Grunt-o-rama" Sharapova in her first event since winning Wimbledon, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Ai Sugiyama. Venus Williams languishes in the No. 11 seeded position, not getting the benefit of the first round bye, and no word yet if she will pull with the wrist injury she experienced last weekend in LA.

Early-round matches of note are (15)Francesca Schiavone vs. rising Russian Elena "Lena" Bovina, (12)Vera "Warren" Zvonareva vs. French vet Nathalie Dechy, a potential (7)Kuznetsova vs. Daniela "The Walking Stick" Hantuchova second-rounder, (14)Anna Smashnova-Pistolesi vs. Chanda Rubin, (11)Venus vs. Gisela "Sgt." Dulko, (8)Sugiyama vs. the Shaughnessy/Asagoe winner, a potential (4)Davenport vs. Karolina "The Spreminator" Sprem second-rounder, (10)Nadia Petrova vs. Elena Likhovtseva in an all-Russian, (13)Patty "Handshake" Snyder vs. Ashley "Anna 2.0" Harkleroad, and (2)Mauresmo facing the winner of the Alicia Molik-Nicole Pratt Aussie battle.

In the semifinals look for (1)Serena vs. a Russian ((3)Myskina or (6)Sharapova), and (4)Davenport vs. (2)Mauresmo. In last year's final, (3)Justine Henin-Hardenne beat (2)Kim Clijsters 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the all-Belgian final. Both Belgian will miss San Diego this year with injury.

Former champs in the draw are Venus (2002-00), Davenport (1998), and Conchita Martinez (1995). Former champ Jennifer Capriati (1992-91) pulled with injury.

Play began Sunday in San Diego, with five winners in (9)Paola Suarez (d. Kapros), Amy "Joltin' Joe" Frazier (d. Mandula), Mary Pierce (d. Schaul), Iveta Benesova (d. (16)Farina Elia), and Jelena Kostanic (d. Barna).

The final round of qualifying was also completed, with four moving into the main draw in Marion Bartoli (FRA), Jill Craybas (USA), Lilia Osterloh (USA), and Jelena Jankovic (d. NCAA champ (WC)Amber Liu).