How about the ladies in Stuttgart? I’m still miffed that more of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix didn’t make it onto my DVR – especially the Jankovic vs. Lisicki match, which was one of the best of the tournament. I did catch Kuznetsova vs. Safina in the final and was really impressed by Svetlana. She owned the court – looking way more confident that Dinara, who will likely be relieved once the mantle of the No. 1 ranking is lifted from her shoulders. Too bad. . .

Some highlights - I’m loving Svetlana’s forehand right now:

The all-important tournament summary:

Congrats to Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Nadia Petrova for picking up their second straight doubles title of the season, beating Flavia Pennetta and Gisela Dulko in Stuttgart.

Unlike the mens’ side, where Nadal’s path to the Roland Garros trophy is more pomp and circumstance than anything, nothing’s for certain on the women’s side. Kuznetsova’s confidence is blossoming on the red stuff, but there are plenty of other players – Serbs, Russians and Americans – who could take the trophy in Paris. I’m looking forward to seeing who pulls it off. How are you placing your bets?

The women have another big tournament this week – picking up from where the men left off in Rome. The Williams sisters will be joining the battle in the Foro Italico. Iveta Benesova and Maria Kirilenko will be heading a lesser field in Estoril, where they will join the boys.