Remember Mary?
John McEnroe, a losing finalist here in the men’s singles back in 1984, won one title in Paris, the mixed doubles as early as 1977. His partner that day was Mary Carillo, who is currently working as a commentator for American television. "John was still an amateur," remembers Carillo. "I’d just turned pro. We’d known each other since we were kids and when we got to Paris we took a look at the draw and John said ‘Don’t worry. We’re gonna win.’ I thought he was crazy of course, but we ended up winning and the prize money was 1,600 dollars. Trouble was, John didn’t get any of it because of his amateur status, and that drove him crazy."
Solidarity’s the word
The tennis world is joining forces to come to the assistance of twin sisters Sandra and Daniela Klemenschits, who have both been diagnosed with abdomen cancer. Despite several operations, Daniela’s case is very serious, while her sister is doing better because her condition was diagnosed at an early stage. With medication alone costing the family 3,000 euros a month, the girls need all the help they can get. That’s why Austria’s Barbara Schett has asked her fellow players for their help, and they have been quick to respond. Marat Safin has donated a signed tee-shirt for auction, while a number of players have decided to give 5% of their winnings from both Roland Garros and Wimbledon to help the Klemenschits. And who said tennis pros were a selfish bunch?
Ljubicic loves the clay in Paris
A semi-finalist here last year, Ivan Ljubicic finished off Arnaud Clement today to progress to the second round. The Croatian seven seed says that while clay remains his least favourite surface, he puts the French Open in a category of its own: "There is a huge difference between the other clay tournaments and Roland Garros. The courts and the balls are different, which makes everything faster. That’s why I always like it here and do well.”
Stan’s the comeback man
Stanislas Wawrinka came through an epic battle with Spain’s Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo to win 0-6, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 in 4hrs 3mins. The Swiss had an operation on his right knee ligaments in February and since making his return at Rome had lost three straight matches, so he will take heart from moving into the second round in Paris. This was also the third time in his career Wawrinka has come back from two sets down, proof of his indomitable fighting spirit.
Family first
After six years, Justine Henin is reconciled with her family. The three-time Roland Garros winner, who will celebrate her 25th birthday on 1 June, has been building bridges with her father Jose, elder brothers David and Thomas and younger sister Sarah, some six months after separating from her husband Pierre-Yves Hardenne. "I’m happy Justine initiated this rapprochement, and I hope they will be by her side long after her tennis career is over. Her aim now is to win a Grand Slam with her family around her,” commented her coach Carlos Rodriguez.
