Baseline Buzz: Serena Williams or the field at the French Open?

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In a few days’ time, Serena Williams will begin her quest to defend the French Open title.

The world No. 1 hasn’t been the same player since falling in the US Open semifinals last season, but she does enter Paris fresh off a title in Rome — her first title of 2016.

How much does that mean heading into the French? Our experts weigh in.

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Peter Bodo, ESPN.com: Serena’s performance in Rome told anyone who was watching that she’s ready to resume the Grand Slam title hunt. The fact that she didn’t lose a set is a great omen for her, because it suggested that she was able to focus on the task on hand seamlessly from start to finish. There’s nothing like going into the off-week before the main event feeling confident and strong — and don’t think her rivals were unaware of how overpowering she looked.

Greg Garber, ESPN.com: Nothing we didn’t really know about her already. Serena has always been able to turn it on and off on a dime — especially when the critics are doubting her. She came in without a title in nine months, playing only her fourth tournament of the year and, naturally, she took the trophy. Although she looked rusty, fumbling the lid on the silver cup during the postmatch photo session.

Melissa Isaacson, ESPN.com: Winning in Rome was important. Serena can be streaky — in good times and bad. And after coming off a round-of-16 loss in Miami, playing only three events this year, winning the Italian Open was a sign she has her game face on for the French, which she has won two of the past three years. The fact that the Italian Open title came against a worthy competitor in Madison Keys is also a nice prelude to Roland Garros.

What’s the one key for Serena to safely navigate through seven rounds in Paris?

Bodo: The most …

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