Here we go folks, the French Open is finally happening during the pandemic, and guess what? Most of the top players will be participating in the women’s field. That’s right folks, other than the defending French Open champion Ashleigh Barty, and Naomi Osaka all the top women will be participating in this year’s edition. Interestingly enough, this edition will be stacked with the very best women’s clay court players, such as Simona Halep, Garbine Muguruza, Serena Williams and Elina Svitolina.

Most of these ladies are already showing fine form at the Italian Open this week. Let’s check out the top seeds and their chances.

5. Kiki Bertens. Kiki made the French Open semis back in 2016. Since then, she’s been a second or third round exit. She hasn’t had much tennis since the pandemic, and was handily beat by Polona Hercog in her first round match at the Italian Open. I don’t expect much from her at the French. Expect an early round exit.

4. Elina Svitolina: Elina is one of the top four clay court players in the world and has proven that she can win on clay in high pressure situations. She was in fine form at the Italian Open. As good as she is on clay, she has not played well at the French Open other than two quarterfinals appearances. I expect to see Elina at least in the Semifinals. She will be able to take advantage of the field’s lack of match play on this surface.

3. Sofia Kenin: Sofia lost 6-0, 6-0 to a red-hot Azarenka at the Italian Open. That’s not exactly great preparation for a tournament where one will be one of the top four seeds. Don’t expect Sofia Kenin to make any damage on the clay. There’s too many good Europeans in this tournament that can play on clay for Kenin to make it out of the third round.

2. Karolina Pliskova: although Pliskova grew up on this stuff, her game is more suited to hard courts and grass courts. She’s not exactly a mover like Svitolina or Halep. On this surface, you have to be. Pliskova will go home in before the fourth round.

1. Simona Halep: she will be, without a doubt, the clear favorite at this tournament. Halep is currently at a completely different level than the rest of the field, especially on this surface. She will take on all takers and win her second French Open title in dominating fashion.

Dark Horses

There’s one dark horse, but we should all call her a shining, glimmering Unicorn. That Unicorn is Victoria Azarenka. Other than Svitolina and Halep, Azarenka belongs in the semifinals of this tournament, and possibly the final. Nobody wants to play her right now. She will rip through the draw and find herself deep in the second week with ease. Watch out WTA!

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