Francesca Schiavone will continue at Wimbledon with a third round matchup against Tamira Paszek

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Francesca Schiavone maintained her challenge for the Wimbledon 2011 title this week by overcoming Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 7-5, 6-3. The French Open runner-up has the ability to be a serious contender this year, and on current form it’s worth keeping track of her progress. The world No. 7 may well be 31 years old, but she appears to be at the height of her powers.

The Italian isn’t by definition a grass court specialist, though she demonstrated against Jelena Dokic that she’s a threat on this surface. She will now do battle with Tamira Paszek of Austria on Friday for a place in the fourth round, but can’t expect an easy match. Schiavone has a 2-2 head to head record against Paszek, which includes a narrow victory for the world No. 7 at Wimbledon 2008 (6-3, 5-7, 10-8).

Paszek has been in good form this year, and extended her run here with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Christina McHale. Paszek is the underdog for this contest, but she’s got the capacity to threaten an upset. The Austrian may well be ranked No. 80 in the world, but she’s only 20 years old, and has the talent to achieve big things.  

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