Mauresmo aims to overcome rust for US Open challenge

PARIS, Aug 21 (Reuters) Amelie Mauresmo silenced those who doubted her ability to cope with pressure by capturing two grand slam titles this year but a question mark hangs over the world number one's form as she heads into the US Open.

The athletic Frenchwoman, who claimed her maiden major at the Australian Open in January, has not played any competitive tennis since her Wimbledon triumph in July.

A groin injury forced her out of a Fed Cup playoff against the Czech Republic last month.

''It was good to have a rest but it was also frustrating because my injury stopped me from doing the sports I normally like to do while on holidays like surfing,'' she said on her website.

''Still, it was nice to be able to spend time with my relatives and friends.'' The 27-year-old was hoping to return to action last week in Montreal but had to pull out because of a sore shoulder.

''The doctors have detected a slight inflammation and told me to be careful,'' she said.

''I concentrated on physical training and I'm confident I'll be ready for the US Open.'' Mauresmo will have just one tournament, the New Haven Open in Connecticut, to fine-tune her game before the season's final grand slam begins on August 28.

Her best result to date in New York has been a semi-final appearance in 2002. She has left the tournament in the quarter-finals the last three years.

Mauresmo, who was not even four when she decided she wanted to play tennis after watching France's Yannick Noah win the 1983 French Open on television, was famous for years for her near misses.

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