Tough task for Sania

MUMBAI: On the surface, it seems to be a lop-sided opening round match — a former champion from Russia, who relishes playing on the red clay, against an attacking Indian who has no qualms admitting that red dirt is her least preferred surface.

The Russian will, barring a miracle, proceed to the next round without much ado. Even the form book suggests the same.

Sania Mirza, done in by the weight of expectations and bogged down by recurring injuries, has failed to move past the second round of any tournament this year. Though she has miraculously managed to maintain her ranking and produce a couple of decent performances, it is clear that her form is nowhere close to what it was in the corresponding period last year. Moreover, her lack of interest in clay has seen her play only thrice on the surface this year, of which she has lost two.

The Russian, seeded 10, also hasn’t had a great year by any standards but her results are far more satisfactory when compared to those of the Indian. Moreover, she seems to be peaking at the right time — making it to the final of the Istanbul Cup on clay a week before the Roland Garros.

A champion in Paris in 2004, Myskina last year got the dubious distinction of being the first defending champion to lose in the first round. The Russian has won only one more match in Paris — apart from the seven on course to her title win — as opposed to five losses. Moreover, she’s not exactly known for her consistency and dominance.

This, perhaps, is the only area where Sania can hope to capitalise.

Sania made history last year by becoming the first Indian woman to get a direct entry into the French Open. However, she failed to make much of an impression, losing in straight sets (6-3 6-3) to Argentine Gisela Dulko in her opening match.

This year she has yet another chance to make history. But for that she needs to win the opening match. And that is a tough ask.