Russian duo set to clash at French Open

Paris:

It will be an all-Russian affair at the French Open today as Anastasia Myskina and Elena Dementieva aim to create tennis history at Roland Garros. Both ladies are bidding to become the first Russian woman to win a grand slam title when they clash in the women's final this evening. Title aspirants Dementieva's weakest link is her serve, but she does have a crushing forehand. The 22-year-old beat Lindsay Davenport and Amelie Mauresmo en route to the finals. Four years ago, Dementieva stunned the world by reaching the US Opens semi-finals and winning silver at the Sydney Olympics. But thereafter she got stuck in the fourth round rut at grand slams. Myskina in contrast has a strong all court game, which is quite evident from her crushing wins over two of the biggest power hitters -- Venus Williams and Jennifer Capriati. The sixth seed has seven career titles to her name compared to the three for Dementieva, and is widely considered the favourite to take home the trophy. But the real winner in today's encounter will be Russian tennis, and of course Marat Safin's mother who has coached both Dementieva and Myskina.