Misery for Mauresmo, temptation for Tauziat

There were those who had predicted that yesterday would be the end of an era. We were supposed to see the torch of French women's tennis be passed from the old generation to the new. Instead, the 34-year-old Nathalie Tauziat, who is playing in her last ever Wimbledon, continued to shine by defeating Iroda Tulyaganova, while the light of her heir apparent, Amelie Mauresmo, went out all too easily, as she lost to Tamarine Tanasugarn.

When you consider her impressive physique and excellent court presence, it is somewhat perplexing to note that Mauresmo has never progressed beyond the third round in SW19. But then, the young Frenchwoman is something of an enigma. Much like Russia's Marat Safin, another 21-year old with bags of talent but a questionable temperament, Mauresmo has never been able to cope with her own success. On numerous occasions, she has played well only to implode without warning.

Yesterday was no exception. Although she enjoyed a significant height advantage – 5ft 9in against Tanasugarn's 5ft 5in – she failed to overpower her Thai opponent. Perhaps most significantly, only 49 per cent of her first serves went in during the first set, which she duly lost 6-4. By the time she had rectified that particular problem, she had been broken again and the second set was gone. "I honestly couldn't tell you why I lost," she said, visibly disappointed after the defeat in straight sets. "Perhaps it is a hangover from my defeat at Roland Garros [Mauresmo lost in the first round after many had earmarked her as a potential champion]. Or perhaps it is due to my lack of grass experience.

"I just can't work it out. I was trying really hard out there, but couldn't get into the match. And when you let Tamarine play, you're always in trouble. She may not hit the ball hard, but she's very consistent and she will wear her opponents down."

So it is back to the drawing board for Mauresmo and back to the practice court for Tauziat, as she prepares for her fourth round match against none other than Tanasugarn. "I would have liked to face Amelie," said Tauziat, who will retire at the end of the season. "It would have been a good day for French tennis but I'm happy with my draw."

Tauziat – who reached the final in 1998, only to freeze on the day and lose to Jana Novotna – should progress to the last eight, where she will probably face the defending champion, Venus Williams. She daren't yet think of that match, however, quite possibly her last on the grass of Wimbledon. "For now, I just want to concentrate on the next round. I want to enjoy the fact that I am in the second week of a Grand Slam and try to savour the moment. Once I've sat down and had time to have a little rest, then I'll start thinking about the week ahead."

Mauresmo left dejected yesterday, but she can at least take comfort from the fact that, unlike the veteran Tauziat, she will be back next year.