Allez...?

I'm going to start my giving a huge shout out to the tennis stars who have donated to the Victorian bushfire appeal. These are not only Australian stars, but international as well - Ana Ivanovic and Serena Williams are among those who have given generously. The Black Saturday fires have been one of the biggest tragedies in recent history here, and it is lovely to see the tennis world contributing so heavily to the rebuilding. Tennis Australia have got an excellent program for the rebuilding of the game in the affected areas, and it is so wonderful to see the tennis community pulling together.
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Now, onto some actual tennis... or the potential thereof, later in the week. I've been thinking about Davis Cup, and you know what? I think there is one team in there which is SO dangerous and yet no one is talking about - and I can't figure out why.

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That's France. With Richard Gasquet, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils, who are all in the top twenty, you cannot forget about any of these players. They have to be such a shot at the title this year. I mean, I don't want to take anything away from Spain who have to be a huge chance to defend - with Rafa, Ferru, Fidgiano and obviously Nando making up an absolutely massive side - but I really like the chances of the French team.

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I think they can beat just about anyone - if they play to their abilities. They are all, to a man, their own worst enemies. Jo-W is, I think, pretty solid... and Gilles Simon (the little bird) is not too much of a headcase - but if scatty scatty La Monf turns up and Richou runs and hides under the bed... yeah, don't want to think about that.

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It'll be interesting to see who they play in which rubbers - you've got to give Tsonga a guernsey in the singles surely, and rankings would dictate that Simon would be the other one... but I wouldn't be surprised to see La Monf out there on Day One. Just sayin'.

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Today's Results

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Monterrey Open (Monterrey)

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Agnes Szavay def. Pauline Parmentier, 6-2 6-2

Edina Gallovits def. Magdalena Rybarikova, 6-4 3-6 6-3

Melinda Czink def. Alla Kudryavtseva, 7-5 6-1

Mariya Koryttseva def. Lenka Wienerova, 6-4 6-1

Vania King def. Klara Zakopalova, 6-1 6-4