Wimbledon, England – Amelie Mauresmo turns 28 next week, and her years of experience can give her an edge over many of the top players on the women’s tennis tour.
It doesn’t help the defending Wimbledon champion much before she steps on the court, though.
“I sometimes probably feel old in the locker rooms because they talk (about) probably very teenage things,” Mauresmo said after beating Mara Santangelo of Italy 6-1, 6-2 on Saturday in the third round.
Five of the 13 players left in her half of the draw are teenagers, including Ana Ivanovic, Nicole Vaidisova and Victoria Azarenka. Mauresmo has been impressed with what they’ve been able to accomplish.
“They’re very mature already,” said Mauresmo, who won her first two Grand Slam titles last year. “On the tennis court particularly, I think they’re all doing great.”
Another Krajicek
Michaella Krajicek has reached the fourth round at a Grand Slam event for the first time, and her brother Richard – the 1996 Wimbledon champion – will be at the All England Club to watch.
“He’s arriving today or tomorrow,” Krajicek said Saturday. “If I do really well, maybe his wife and kids will come, too.”
The 18-year-old Krajicek next faces Laura Granville of the U.S., who upset five-time major winner Martina Hingis in the third round. Krajicek said she was happy that Hingis, the 1997 Wimbledon champion, lost.
“Otherwise, I think I would have too much respect for Martina,” said Krajicek, who is expected to play her fourth-round match on Monday. “My first time in the fourth round and she’s won so many titles.”
Krajicek never has played Granville in singles, and that’s good, as far as she is concerned.
“I can just start playing my own game and see if that works,” Krajicek said.
