The clay-court season is perhaps one of the shortest seasons on either the men or women’s tour. There may not be many prestigious events held on the slick clay, except for events held in Charleston or Monte Carlo. When players change from hard-courts to clay it's virtually impossible to predict how well they are going to perform. Some of the greatest players in tennis history have fallen victim to the clay season.

Aside from Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova has been the most successful player on the WTA Tour thus far this year. With the French Open steadily approaching, tennis fanatics are beginning to ponder if Sharapova can attain the Grand Slam that eludes her. With the Russian winning title after title, is there anything that can stop her?

Sharapova started off the year in fine form, thrashing her way through a tough Australian Open field; even taking down Justine Henin in straight sets. Since claiming her third Grand Slam titles, she went on to win titles in Doha and just recently, Amelia Island. During that time she also won tournaments back-to-back, and claimed her first clay-court title.

'The younger Williams sister has proven more than anyone that she is ready to fight for the No.1 spot'


Since her emergence she has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with on grass and hard courts. Although she hasn’t compiled the greatest results over the years, she has sent shockwaves through the clay-court world. In five appearances at the French Open, she has ventured to at least the quarter-finals three times.

Last week in Florida she proved critics wrong when she won her first clay tournament. She even seemed on the brink of defeat in the second round against Anabel Medina Garrigues, narrowly escaping 7-6 5-7 7-6. Considering she battled for more than five hours in two matches, there is no doubt she could go all the way in Paris.

But one player who looks to be in better form is American veteran Williams. She exited early in Melbourne as the defending champion but since then she has rededicated herself to the sport and has looked fitter than ever. Since losing in Australia, Williams has claimed back-to-back titles, in Bangalore and Miami, and looks well on track to claim another in Charleston.

Of course, there are always big names to look out for, especially the likes of Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic, Justine Henin, Venus Williams and even Lindsay Davenport. But the younger Williams sister has proven more than anyone that she is ready to fight for the No.1 spot.

How can anyone argue against an eight-time Grand Slam champion who ranked No.1 in the world for 57 weeks? She may have to dig deep from time to time, but nothing seems to be getting in her way this season. Yes, Henin is the three-time defending champion in Paris, but Williams is eager to recapture the title she first attained in 2002.

Sharapova does have what it takes to go far at the years' second Grand Slam, and it's hard to count out a three-time Grand Slam champion. However, this year on the Parisian clay, the younger Williams sister looks to be the best candidate to walk away with a ninth major title. It may not be the easiest challenge but Williams is always ready to fight and dig deep.