The Scoop: ROLAND GARROS, DAY 1

Stunned Federer could learn from Serena

By Matthew Cronin
tennisreporters.net

Susan Mullane/Camerawork USA, Inc.

FROM ROLAND GARROS – Roger Federer and Serena Williams are both 21 and are considered two of the most talented players on the planet. But while Williams has already nailed down five Grand Slam titles, Federer has zero and on Monday, Serena soared into the second round while Federer folded in the first round.

The fifth-seeded Federer came into Roland Garros one of the hottest players on tour and was considered by most to be one of the favorites to win the title. But like he did last year, the Swiss was stunned in straight sets and was sent reeling out of the tournament.

Last year, veteran Hicham Arazi schooled Federer. This year, he was simply awful in a 7-6 (6), 6-2, 7-6 (3) loss to Peruvian journeyman Luis Horna.

"I'm not going to start hating the tournament because I lost twice in the first round," a severely depressed Federer said. "But it's a big disappointment. It's very said to leave so early. I realize a number of people said I was a favorite, but I'm not sure I can really win this tournament. We have a number of players who have more experience on the surface."

SERENA KNOWS THE CHAMPION'S ATTITUDE
Serena has never thought that way, even when she was skidding to discouraging defeats in Paris a couple years back. She always believed in her ability and tried like hell to overcome the mental obstacles that were placed before her. She overcame her childlike fear of defeating her older sister, Venus, on a big stage and is now the dominant sibling in her family.

"I remember [losing]," she said. "It didn't feel so good. It's important that you don't forget that feeling because it could be right around the corner. You have to stay focused and never forget."

Serena loves a good battle and is convinced she'll always find a way to win, which is why in Australia five months ago she was able to come back from the depths to defeat Emilie Loit, Kim Clijsters and Venus. Now when she walks through the locker room, most of the others players step aside. After she crushed Germany's Barbara Rittner 6-2, 6-1 on Monday, she said that she's the player to beat.

"I think so, especially after winning four in a row," said Williams. "In Australia I was down and out in two matches and had a very tough final. Players generally believe that I'm the player to beat in any tournament, especially in the Slams, because I like to kick it up to a new level physically and mentally. This is what I mostly play tennis for, to be remembered."

TALENT BUT NO PROGRESS

Luis Horna

Susan Mullane/ Camerawork USA, Inc.

Imagine Federer saying that, instead of insisting that he still has to work out his game on the surface. This is coming from a guy who isn't a pure serve and volleyer and who can hit a variety of shots from the baseline. Here's a guy who reached the quarterfinals here in 2001 and had a 12-2 record on clay coming in here, winning the title in Munich and reaching the final in Rome.

"I know it's going to be tough for me to win this tournament," he said. "That's no secret. I know I have natural ability on clay, the way I move, but it's definitely the surface where I have to do the most work. I've proved that I can play well, but the last two years here it hasn't worked."

Williams is in standout shape and since March, has been chiseling her legs into clay court shape. She's not sitting on her laurels and against Rittner, sported a blossoming element in her game, a newfound commitment to the net. Williams is an excellent volleyer and against the German, won 13 of 16 net approaches. Serena knows that her foes are attempting to add new elements to their games in order to compete with her and she must do the same.

"Before, I honestly didn't really enjoy coming in," she said. "But now I look forward to it. That's the big difference. I'm a six-time Grand Slam doubles champion but I didn't feel comfortable at the net! But now I love it. It's my best game, my best option."

What Federer needs are lots more heart, calmer hands and better nerves. Against Horna, he melted down in both tiebreakers, shanking numerous shots and coming in behind short balls. He committed a whopping 82 unforced errors in the contest and only nailed 11 winners from the baseline.

While the Swiss will be one of the favorites at Wimbledon given that he's one of the few young players who knows how to punch a volley, he'll need to get his head together quickly. If it was Serena who had lost such a winnable match, she would have screamed loud enough to shake the Eiffel Tower. Federer merely stared down miserably as the swirling dirt.

"I'm quite satisfied with my season up to now," Federer said. "It's the second time I've lost in the first round. But of course it hurts more when it's a big tournament like this one."

And how.