5 WOMEN TO WATCH
Maria Sharapova Age 31 Nationality Russian World ranking 29 French Open best Winner (2012, 2014)
Major titles 36 tour titles, five slams
More than a year since returning from a drugs ban, the former world No 1 has finally hit form ahead of her most successful major.
Now back in the world’s top 30, Sharapova arrives in Paris on the back of a last-eight run in Madrid and semi-final spot in Rome with a point to prove to French Open organisers, who denied her a wild-card invitation last year.
Petra Kvitova Age 28 Nationality Czech Republic World ranking 8 French Open best Semi-final (2012) Major titles 24 tour titles, two slams The left-hander has won four WTA titles this year, including back-toback trophies this month in Madrid and Prague.
Kvitova’s fierce determination and experience make her a strong contender in Paris, where she should be refreshed after deciding to skip Rome.
Kvitova has established herself as a staple of the women’s top 10 again, just 17 months after a knife attack at her home almost ended her career.
Jelena Ostapenko Age 20 Nationality Latvian World ranking 5 French Open best Winner (2017) Major titles Two tour titles, one slam
The Latvian broke records 12 months ago, becoming the first player to win Roland Garros from a set down since 1991 and the first unseeded woman to win in Paris since 1933.
Ostapenko’s fearless style of tennis is a joy to watch when in full flow. She has since added a mental strength to her game, which ensures she does not fade away in rounds that succeed big-match victories.
Elina Svitolina Age Nationality 23 Ukrainian World ranking 4 French Open best Quarter-final (2015, 2017) Major titles 12 tour titles, 0 slams
Thrashed world No 1 Simona Halep to retain the Italian Open last weekend for her third WTA title of the year; Svitolina needs to transfer that success into the majors.
The Ukrainian has never been past the last eight of a grand slam, but has a decent record in Paris, reaching the quarters twice in the past three years.
Kiki Bertens Age 26 Nationality Dutch World ranking 18 French Open best Semi-final (2016) Major titles Five tour titles, 0 slams
A dark horse for Paris, the righthander defeated Caroline Wozniacki, Sharapova and world No 7 Caroline Garcia to reach the Madrid final.
Inside the world’s top 20, Bertens, from Holland, has a ferocious forehand and tremendous variety, which makes her a dangerous opponent on clay. Bertens pushed Serena Williams in her sole semi-final appearance at a major two years ago, when ranked the world No 58.