(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Barbara Schett named Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina among the French Open favorites but noted Iga Swiatek remains the No 1 favorite to lift the title at Roland Garros. After a 2022 season in which Swiatek pretty much dominated the biggest tournaments, things changed in 2023 as the Pole has gotten the competition in the names of Sabalenka and Rybakina.
Sabalenka, who the Australian Open earlier this year, is hoping to win back-to-back Grand Slams and soon overtake the Pole at the world No 1 spot. On the other side, Rybakina – who won WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells and Rome – will also be determined to make a strong French Open run.
“It’s between Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. Swiatek is playing some solid tennis, even though she recently lost against Sabalenka in Madrid, but the conditions there are much faster. The conditions in Paris should favour Swiatek, she feels comfortable there and is proving she is definitely playing at a high level of tennis.
How she defends that No 1 spot as well because she must be under enormous pressure. I think it’s good for Iga to have these two players [Sabalenka and Rybakina] that can challenge her and…
