French Open 2001





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Tuesday, June 5
 
Capriati has the strength to take home the title

By Pam Shriver
Special to ESPN.com

Jennifer Capriati is going to win the French Open, although she cannot have a let down because Belgian teen Kim Clijsters is tough.

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Pam Shriver
Shriver
Former WTA Tour pro Pam Shriver is providing ESPN.com with in-depth analysis throughout the French Open. Shriver, a tennis analyst for ESPN, reached a high ranking of No. 3 in singles play. She won 21 singles and 112 doubles titles, including 22 Grand Slams.

Capraiti has the best attitude in tennis. She's moving well. She's got the belief. She's stronger and faster than most of the players right now. She's tougher.

Capriati was just too good the whole time against Martina Hingis in their semifinal. It almost seems as if mentally Hingis is broken at the French Open. She looked defeated after the first set.

Capriati's attitude holds even when she double-faults, as she did about seven times in her match against Hingis. She double-faults and then moves on to win the next point. It's almost like she's saying "I'm not going to give my opponent a weak second serve, so if I double-fault, I double-fault." Some people would get down and lose their focus doing that but not Capriati.

Capriati is playing smart all-court tennis. She's coming to the net a lot and volleying well.

Clijsters will be more relaxed playing Capriati than she was someone from her own country. It was very unfortunate that Justine Henin lost after being five points away from winning the match. Henin was the better player for the first set and a half. Clijsters will be a more solid opponent in the finals, however, because she has a game that will hold up a little bit better under pressure.

The key for Clijsters is just to settle down early and get into the match sooner. If she gives Capriati -- who's won the Australian Open championship and defeated the World No. 1 twice -- the advantage, Capriati could win easily.

Edge: Jennifer Capriati





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