PARIS - The prancing, pitter-patter steps. The back to the opponent, like a madman relief pitcher getting ready to storm the mound. The string-gazing and the hair flip and the world-famous Shriek. The spastic "Come on!" and the ever-present clenched fist. And now the latest addition, the hyped-up fiancée who sits at attention and fist-pumps in her direction even when she's not looking at him. Yes, certain things about Maria Sharapova can seem designed to bug the old-fashioned tennis ...

Kim Clijsters survived two match points before winning her eagerly awaited rematch with fellow Belgian Justine Henin 6-3,4-6,7-6 in the Brisbane International final in January. About Henin, who was playing her first tournament out of retirement, Clijsters said, "She showed she's already a top player, very competitive and talented". Ashley Cooper, a 1950's Australian star, called their duel the best  women's tennis match he had ever seen. A close second was Clijster's 6-3,5-7,6-3 victory ...