The year that was: Despite a disappointing end, Amelie Mauresmo finally took her first Grand Slam in Melbourne. But the real glory win came at Wimbledon, when she beat Justine Henin and her nerves. Her success propelled her to world No.1. She couldn’t make it happen at Roland Garros but she was on fire. She also took consecutive wins in Antwerp and Paris. Mauresmo was hitting with the best for years, but 2006 was her year.

What happened in 2007: After a magical 2006, Mauresmo looked sharp for the new year. But a lack consistency and a frustrating appendix surgery has derailed the French star. Taking up her first-ever Grand Slam title defence in Melbourne was never going to be easy and the Czech Republic’s Lucie Safarova did the damage, taking Mauresmo out in the fourth round. She scored big in Antwerp as she beat Kim Clijsters in the final and took home the notorious diamond-studded racket.


Mauresmo followed it up by being a finalist in Dubai but tragedy took hold when she needed an emergency appendix surgery. Her clay-court season was hit badly, but she somehow got to the final in Strasbourg.  Safarova once again had the pleasure of putting out Mauresmo in another Grand Slam - the up-and- coming Czech sticking another nail in the coffin in the third round.

'In the fourth round at Wimbledon, Amelie's distress was obvious in her interview'


Mauresmo needed to boost her fan club’s confidence for Wimbledon. And she did just that, as she made the final on the gusty grass courts of Eastbourne. Nicole Vaidisova caused the next upset as she beat Mauresmo in the fourth round at Wimbledon - Amelie's distress was obvious in her interview. She also couldn’t pull her French squad in the Federation Cup. She took a long holiday explaining that she needed to regroup mentally. "For months I didn't touch my rackets, but I tried to keep up my physical training. I had quality time with my family and friends."

Amelie's thoughts and expectations: Mauresmo now finds herself coming back in China, and is already looking forward to 2008, saying:  "For me, 2007 is almost behind. I'll definitely play four or five tournaments and get ready to reach the top 10 again next year. My goal for next year will also include Grand Slams and the Olympic Games." For a lot of people she was always expected to eventually win a Slam, and she did just that. But, thinking about her nerves, some people also predicted a meltdown in 2007. Did expectations really cause the meltdown? I guess we will never know.

How does she match up? With the Williams sisters and Lindsay Davenport back on track, Henin and the Serbians following with consistency and brilliance, as well as the Russian talent, Mauresmo has a lot of competiton. I love to see Amelie's magic, but I always feel worried about her nerves and consistency. She will need to find her feet soon.

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