FRENCH OPEN ROUNDUP \ News and notes

Martina, Arantxa come up short: Martina Navratilova and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario won't need to clear space in the trophy case for another French Open women's doubles title. The illustrious partnership lost in the opening round Wednesday to Spanish duo Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain and Nuria Llagostera Vives, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The 48-year-old Navratilova has 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 in doubles and nine in mixed doubles. Sanchez-Vicario, 33, has a total of 14 -- four in singles, six in doubles and four in mixed doubles. Navratilova returned to Grand Slam singles after a 10-year absence at last year's French Open, where she asked for a wild card and said it would be her last year on the tour. The comeback lasted barely an hour, with Navratilova losing to 19-year-old Argentine Gisela Dulko. Then she changed her mind about retirement. She still has another shot at a trophy in Paris. Navratilova pairs up with Leander Paes of India in mixed doubles.
Venus in Turkey: While in Istanbul for work, Venus Williams managed to indulge in a favorite pastime -- shopping. "I tried to resist," a smiling Williams said, unconvincingly. "You know old habits die hard." Williams, who debuted a custom-designed apparel line in Paris a year ago, has a weak spot for clothes, jewelry and the latest trends. "I bought mostly jewelry," said Williams, who came to her postmatch press conference Wednesday at the French Open with a necklace and earrings that sparkled. Williams advanced to the third round by beating Fabiola Zuluaga 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Seeking her fifth Grand Slam title but her first since 2001, Williams is coming off her 32nd tournament title and her first in a year: a win last week in Istanbul. The trip to Turkey also allowed for some sightseeing. Williams visited the ornate Ottoman Topkapi Palace, which housed the Ottoman monarchy until the 19th century.
Monsieur Agassi: Andre Agassi's former coach said Wednesday he expects to see the eight-time Grand Slam champion at Wimbledon, despite a back ailment that sent him hobbling out of the French Open. "If anyone can pull the rabbit out of the hat, he can," Brad Gilbert said. "If he was playing 100th [in the rankings] you could question it. But he's eight in the world and still beating good guys. By the end of the year, he'll know just where he's at." Hampered by an inflamed nerve in his back that dates back months, Agassi lost to a qualifier Tuesday in the opening round at Roland Garros for the second year in a row. France's sports daily L'Equipe devoted an editorial to the question of Agassi's future. "Au Revoir et Merci, Monsieur Agassi," it began, questioning if that was "the last chance to see Andre Agassi" at Roland Garros. "We cross our fingers" that he returns, the editorial said. It added that, whatever his choice, France will remember Agassi's travails on Paris' famed clay courts. "He remains the vision of a young man with long blond hair who shook up the establishment in 1988 by coming to play in denim shorts. And also, the champion crowned in 1999, his only triumph in Paris."
Associated Press
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