2008 French Open – Women's Singles 2008 French Open – Women's Singles Justine Henin was the three-time defending champion, but she retired from the sport on May 14, 2008. Her retirement left Serena Williams as the only former French Open champion remaining in the women's draw. Williams was defeated in the third round by Katarina Srebotnik, meaning that there would be a first-time French Open champion in 2008. Ana Ivanovic, the runner-up to Henin in 2007, won her first and only Grand Slam singles title, beating first-time finalist Dinara Safina, 6–4, 6–3 in the final. Ivanovic became the new WTA No. 1 singles ranking by reaching
2008 French Open – Women's Singles the final. Maria Sharapova (the incumbent World No. 1 ahead of the tournament following Henin's retirement), Jelena Janković and Svetlana Kuznetsova were also in contention for the No. 1 ranking at the start of the tournament. Safina had come from a set and match point down in both her fourth round and quarterfinal matches against Sharapova and Elena Dementieva, respectively. This was also the first Grand Slam main draw appearance of future world No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion Petra Kvitová. 2008 French Open – Women's Singles Justine Henin was the three-time defending champion, but she retired from the