Here're the women to watch out for in French Open
What's the story
The French Open 2019 is all set to get underway from today, as the intensity is expected to be at its peak. Being the only Grand Slam to be played on clay, it holds a special place in every player's heart. Several women have displayed dominant performance here over the past couple of seasons, as we take a look at the favorites this term.
Serena Williams
A record 24th for Serena?
Undoubtedly, Serena Williams enters every tournament as the favorite, whatever might be the circumstances. Having already won 23 Slams to date, she has set her eyes on the record 24th title, further cementing her place as the GOAT. It has been more than two years since she last won a Slam, while her last win at Roland Garros came in 2015. Tough task awaits.
Naomi Osaka
A first for the world number one?
The top seed at Roland Garros this term is Naomi Osaka. Having won two Grand Slams to date, she has been on the streak since the 2018 US Open. With two Slam wins in a row, she can well make it three and a first one in Paris. However, she has not been a good performer on clay. Further, she also has fitness concerns.
Simona Halep
Two in a row for the Romanian?
Simona Halep became the second Romanian woman to win the French Open last year, after Virginia Ruzici in 1978. While it was her first Grand Slam win, she is being backed to repeat the same feat again this term, owing to her fine past performance on clay. However, her recent loss in Rome Open to Marketa Vondrousova could hamper her confidence and performance ahead.
Kiki Bertens
Maiden Grand Slam for world number four?
Currently ranked number four in the world, Kiki Bertens is the highest-ever ranked Dutch female tennis player. While she is yet to win her first Grand Slam, she seems to be perfectly en route. Considering her recent performance on clay, she defeated Jeļena Ostapenko, Petra Kvitova, Sloane Stephens and Halep for the Madrid Open title. She is indeed a favorite in Paris.
Karolina
Finally the moment for the Czech to shine?
The current world number two Karolina Pliskova too has been in a lethal form of late. Having beaten Maria Sakkari in the semis of Rome Open, followed by the rout of Johanna Konta in the final, Pliskova would look to carry the momentum at Roland Garros. Being a semi-finalist here in 2017, Pliskova would finally look for her first this time around.