The Roland Garros is set to begin, and while the top contenders are well-known, there are several players who could surprise and shake up the draw. Here are five players who could make a significant impact at the French Open:
Linda Noskova: Despite being ranked 12th in the world, Noskova has been flying under the radar. Her clay-court results, however, are impressive. She reached the quarterfinals in Stuttgart and Madrid, and the fourth round in Rome, losing to in-form players like Svitolina, Kostyuk, and Cirstea. Her performance suggests that she is ready to make a breakthrough at Roland Garros.
Sorana Cirstea: In her farewell season, Cirstea has been playing some of her best tennis. She defeated Sabalenka, a World No. 1, in the Rome third round and reached the semifinals. Her clay-court swing includes strong performances in Linz and Rouen. With a Top 20 debut and a former French Open quarterfinalist status, Cirstea is a player to watch.
Hailey Baptiste: Baptiste's rise has been remarkable. Starting the year just inside the Top 70, she upset Sabalenka in the Madrid quarterfinals. Her lopsided loss to Svitolina in Rome looks less concerning after the Ukrainian's title run. Baptiste reached the second week of a Grand Slam last year, and with a seed secured, she could make a deep run in Paris.
Anastasia Potapova: Potapova's best Grand Slam result came in Paris, where she reached the Round of 16. This year, she has been in exceptional form, climbing the rankings and reaching the final in Linz, semifinals in Madrid, and fourth round in Rome. Her victories over top players like Rybakina and Muchova make her a dangerous opponent.
Anhelina Kalinina: Kalinina's clay credentials are strong, and she has been on a roll. She reached four straight WTA 125 finals on clay in March, winning two titles. Her Top 25 win over Bouzkova in Madrid further showcases her clay-court prowess. Despite never advancing past the second round at Roland Garros, her 2023 Rome final run indicates that she can be a dark horse contender.
These players, each with their own unique strengths and stories, could bring excitement and surprises to the Roland Garros draw. As the tournament unfolds, their performances will be fascinating to follow.
