Majoli Trying to Break Through Against Hingis

PARIS — Martina Hingis, at least, has followed the path expected of a top-seeded player at a Grand Slam event: Work your way efficiently through the early rounds, survive a scare, get better, advance to the final.

In this French Open, in which seeded players have fallen early and fast, Hingis’ arrival in today women’s final was as expected as the last two weeks’ upsets have been shocking. She has gone through the tournament as she has gone through the season--undefeated.

Her opponent today, ninth-seeded Iva Majoli, is a dynamic player who goes for shots. The 19-year-old has won two titles this year and is 19-4 on clay.

As everyone on the WTA Tour is aware, Hingis has not lost a match this year, having won six consecutive finals. Majoli remains unperturbed.

“I just think of her as another player; I know she’s great,” she said. “When I go out there, I’m not going to be thinking about that. I really have nothing to lose. I can really just play the best tennis of my life.

“Martina is really consistent, also doesn’t make too many errors. I’m sure there are going to be lots of long points. I just have to put [on]pressure and be aggressive, just play my game.”

With two young players, there are a few firsts. It is Majoli’s first Grand Slam tournament final. She is the first Croatian to reach a Grand Slam women’s final. Hingis is the first Swiss in the women’s final here.