With Madrid on the horizon, no-one is wasting anytime. The grand prize is Russian pride in the form of a tier one crown as well as $1,340,000. So who are our feisty Russians and can they withstand the attack?

Justine Henin is on the rampage: The Belgian has claimed consecutive titles in Toronto and the US Open. She is already breezing past the competition in Stuttgart. Her flawless play of late makes her red-hot favourite to win as well as firmly securing her world No. 1 status. It’s inevitable that Justine will keep a steady mind as well as a sharply executed game plan for the title. The Belgian is in tip top shape, playing at maximum level and showing desires to collect yet another title. So what could possibly be in her way?

Serena Williams has unfinished business: Take the American’s glory wins in Miami and Melbourne away and all you’re left with are a barricade of quarter-finals. So what does that tell you?
• Injuries? Plenty
• Inconsistency? Yes
• Scared? Give me a break
• Hmmm something to do with Justine Henin? High score!

'What bigger stage could Kuznetsova ask for to prove her self as the new Russian pride?'


Although it was Svetlana Kuznetsova who ended Serena’s return to Germany, Henin has taken three consecutive wins over Serena in three Grand Slams. I think it’s safe to say that she is off the Christmas card list. The thumb injury sustained at Wimbledon derailed the American but she has comeback. But this is no comeback like we saw at the beginning of the year; it’s very steady and pretty safe. But will Moscow be the highway for Serena to speed through the road of recovery to the path of champions?

Svetlana Kuznetsova, can she do it: A year that has seen her in six finals has at last granted her the world No.2 status. She is putting on a great show in Germany and leads the Russian resistance. Although Maria Sharapova had trouble with Russia she was always the Russian scarlet. But things have changed; Kuznetsova is the new Russian No.1. With feisty competition like Henin, Serena as well as her fellow Russians, what bigger stage could she ask for to prove herself as the new Russian pride?

Other Russians who will want to show off in front of the home crowd are defending champion Anna Chakvetadze, elegant hitter Elena Dementieva and Dinara Safina. Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo and Czech Nicole Vaidisova will continue their return. France's Marion Bartoli and Switzerland’s Patty Schnyder also pitch well.

Can Svetlana Kuznetsova take full advantage of her golden opportunity? How will Serena Williams and Justine Henin perform? Post a comment below or submit an article to Sportingo.