By: Matt DeCorso

Hey everyone! I hope you guys are as amazed as me about Serena winning her debut tourney after the injury. Tatiana Golovin had a great week as well and I think Venus played a stunning 4th round match but couldn't beat Dementieva. Elena should get props as well, for reaching the final before being throttled in 50 minutes by Serena. Enjoy Marion Bartoli's preview

Stephanie Cohen-Aloro versus Marion Bartoli

Well it's time for Marion to really get going after some bad losses. She lost her match in Mexico to Benesova and looked sluggish but is really looking to get back on track. She skipped the Nasdaq for unknown reasons and is choosing to play a lesser tier event in Hungary than Amelia Island. I think this is a strategic move for Bartoli to get some wins under her belt before playing hard core clay tennis. In this match look for Marion to be hitting a lot of passing shots, as her opponent doesn't shy away from the net. She will also be looking to take advatnage of Stephanie's lack of movement and move her from side to side. Things may get ugly if Bartoli doesn't go for her shots but she probably will.

Weakness: Lack of confidence.

The first time I saw Cohen-Aloro play was last year at the U.S. Open against her countrywoman Amelie Mauresmo. She's playing another countrywoman in Bartoli so they should know each others games fairly well. Stephanie has had a mediocre season and is drooling with the possibility of upsetting the number 2 seed Bartoli. In this match look for Stephanie to try and control the net and move in with her dicy slices. She will also be trying to hit some drop shots and maybe bring Marion in.

Weakness: Movement.

Who has the Edge?

Serve- Cohen-Aloro

Groundies- Bartoli

Movement- Bartoli

Intangibles- Cohen-Aloro- no pressure

Volley- Cohen-Aloro

According to the previous, Bartoli should have her hands full with the feisty Cohen-Aloro. For Steph, make sure you take advantage of your great net prowess and force Marion into errors. For Marion, you should also try hitting some drop shots to move around Steph, as she doesn't move well.

Matt's Pick: The battle of France will go to Marion 7-5 6-3.

Thanks

Go MARION!!!!!!