PARIS, France (venustennis.com) - Venus Williams could win in Paris or lose in the first round. This is part of what makes her exciting. Believe it or not Venus Williams' clay court game reminds me of that of another great champion, Steffi Graf of Germany. Graf, quite possibly the greatest player ever, had a game more suited for hard and grass courts which allowed her to dominate on those surfaces. But make no mistake, Graf, dispite her lack of patience and reluctance to moonball became finally one of the best clay court players ever, winning her final grand slam title shortly before her retirement, the 1999 French Open. Venus, like Graf can hit topspin and wait for the groundstroke kill, but lacks the consistency of Graf at times; though she also possesses an athletic though injury prone body.

If Williams can overcome her recent wrist and knee injuries, I see no reason she should not advance into the second week since dangerous floaters such as Barbara Schett, who defeated Williams last year in round one will be seeded this year in accordance with the expanded 32 seeds. Rivals Martina Hingis and Lindsay Davenport will be missing with injuries from week two. Williams has never lost to defending champion Jennifer Capriati and holds I think a mental and physical edge over the Belgium threats Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.

However the same type raw power and acute angles that players such as Mary Pierce and Monica Seles used to defeat Steffi Graf could be the downfall of Venus Williams this year on the terre battue. Venus is playing remarkable tennis, but sister Serena Williams, 22-2 this year, is hitting the ball even better; winning her first clay court title last week in Rome. In fact, look for Serena Williams to spoil Venus' party in Paris. And thanks to television we're all invited.