Kim to Face Sanchez Lorenzo

By Naomi C

            Kim is in Paris and is looking forward to playing her first Open Gaz De France. Kim’s first opponent is Spaniard Maria Sanchez Lorenzo who defeated Eleni Daniilidou 6-4 4-6 6-2 to earn the right to face the top seed in round 2. Kim received a by in round 1. Kim and Maria have never met, however Kim was a keen spectator at the Spaniard’s first round match.

            Sanchez Lorenzo is currently ranked at number 45 in the world and has a career high ranking just inside the top40 of 39 which she obtained in 1999 after she made the 4^th round of the Australian Open, that result stands as her best career grand slam result. In 1999 she also won her sole career singles title in Knokke-Heist on clay in Belgium. The year 1999 therefore, was without a doubt Sanchez-Lorenzo’s best on tour. Despite these achievements thought Maria interestingly possesses a negative career win-loss record of 119 wins for 146 losses.

Throughout her career Lorenzo has obtained some notable scalps, most notably Jennifer Capriati and Elena Dementieva. She defeated Capriati at the Australian Open in 1999 and Dementieva at the French Open last year 6-3 6-3. Therefore if Kim is below her best the Spaniard will know how to take advantage.

Sanchez Lorenzo has started this year well making the quarter finals in Canberra and in the past year has made the final in Madrid and the semis in Budapest. Sanchez Lorenzo uses both hands off both sides, and that is an area Kim will attempt to exploit.

Kim has been able to train well the past few days, without hindrance from her ankle injury. Hopefully her ankle will be fine this week and she will be able to display her finest tennis for the crowds of Paris.