Clijsters and Davenport finally get clay showdown

PARIS (AP) - Kim Clijsters has somehow avoided playing Lindsay Davenport on clay.

They have met 15 times since 2000, but will face each other for the first time on clay in the fourth round of the French Open on Sunday.

Clijsters has won the last six meetings and leads the series 9-6, but doesn't necessarily believe she has an advantage.

"It's definitely not our favorite surface for both of us," Clijsters said. "It's going to be a tough match. We'll see. I'm looking forward to it because I've never played her on clay."

A losing finalist at Roland Garros in 2001 and 2003, Clijsters would appear to have the edge on Davenport, who has not advanced beyond the fourth round since 1999.

On Friday, Davenport edged Virginie Razzano, winning in three sets for the third straight match. Clijsters swept Daniela Hantuchova and has yet to drop a set.

Having beaten Davenport six times straight on hard courts, Clijsters must adjust her approach on clay.

"If I play her on hard courts, I like to mix it up really well, which is always a bit tougher for me on clay," Clijsters said.

Ranked No. 1 in 2003, Clijsters is seeded 14th after missing much of last year because of a wrist injury. She's still bothered by a knee injury sustained three weeks ago.

"It's holding up during my matches," she said. "But it's still not good enough to play without the tape. It's getting better - you know, maybe 85 or 90 percent."

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PEACE AT LAST: Famed soccer player Michel Platini attended the French Open for the first time - and enjoyed the experience.

Platini, the three-time world player of the year and France's career leader with 41 goals, starred with Saint-Etienne, Juventus and Les Bleus.