Amelie Mauresmo

France's top ranked women's singles player for several years, Amelie Mauresmo will be itching to get her hands on her third grand slam trophy after a disappointing, injury-ridden season in 2007. The former world number one may currently be ranked outside the top fifty, but having taken two grand slam titles in 2006 remains a potent force in women's tennis.

Player Biography

Amelie Mauresmo was born in Saint-Germaine-en-Laye in 1979. As a child she was inspired to take up tennis by the performance of Yannick Noah against Mats Wilander at the 1983 French Open. In 1988 Mauresmo was invited to train with the top young players by the French Tennis Federation, and went on to win both Wimbledon and French Open junior titles in 1996.

Career

Amelie Mauresmo launched her professional career in 1997, playing part time on the WTA tour without winning a title but performing satisfactorily in the grand slams. Her breakthrough season came in 1999 when she battled through the final of the Australian Open, beating three top seeds along the way, including world number one Lindsay Davenport.

Grand Slam Record

Following an improved grand slam season, Amelie Mauresmo claimed her first WTA title in Bratislava in 1999. The following two seasons saw Mauresmo fail to build on her grand slam form, whilst improving her standing in the WTA courtesy of a clutch of tournament victories in 2001.

From 2002 to 2005 Mauresmo became a permanent fixture in the final rounds of the four grand slams, consistently progressing to at least the quarterfinals, but unable to claim a title. Amelie Mauresmo finally came good in 2006 when she built on her 5 WTA title the previous season to claim both the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles.

The 2007 season saw Mauresmo struggle with injury and battle to find form as she played in only a handful of tournaments, conceding her position in the WTA top 10 as she won only a single WTA title. Despite losing her ranking, Mauresmo is far from a spent force and her fans will be looking for a revival in 2008.

Playing Style

Amilie Mauresmo plays best on clay and hard court, and with a powerful physique is able to overpower weaker opponents with her speed and strength. With the most powerful one-handed backhand in women's tennis, Mauresmo's greatest weakness is her nervous play in high pressure situations.