Another doubles topic : Cara/Elena - are they in a crisis ?

Sometimes teams get stale playing together for too long. Perhaps they should separate for a few tourneys. A fresh partner might reinvigorate them. I have an inkling Sandrine and Roberta aren't playing this week for that same reason.

Losing to Monica/Sandrine isn't a bad thing. Both are very very talented doubles players, and could probably overpower most any team.

The also appeared to have just the right combination of young/experienced, both with flair, but Elena more of the "grinder".

Elena's singles form is dire, so it may be that she's having some sort of a crisis/loss of form.

They're both such talented players in their own way, and I'd really like them to stay together. GoSandrine, I know what you mean about partnerships getting stale, but I'd really like them to get that elusive GS title.

Oh, and Sandrine and Monica are certainly no slouches as a pairing.

Cara suffering depression?

I think Cara's loss of form could be due to depression. Her father only passed away last year and she resumed playing fairly soon after he died. She didn't seem to have enough time to grieve. Things like that can effect you many months later. I hope it's not the case but it's a definite possibility as it happened to my Godmother when her father died. She didn't take the time to go through a grieving process and ended up having depression about a year down the road. This possibility, coupled with some singles losses and a partner who can only cover half a court and worry about her own bad singles form could equal a team that is having one heck of a bad day.

But also, Monica and Sandrine could make one heck of a doubles team. Monica is a consistent player. That, and her shots can set up a lot of points for Sandrine to put away. Perhaps Cara and Elena underestimated their opponents.