The long wait for the second annual Grand Slam tournament, the French Open 2021, is now over. Besides, the top two seeds, Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka, have begun their training at Stade Roland Garros.
Unquestionably, the red dirt at Roland-Garros brings a distinct vibe to the occasion. It will engulf the tennis world with it for the coming few weeks.
Smiles + @naomiosaka = ❤️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ORkpYMRJeO
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2021
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Moreover, Barty and Osaka both have had their glory this year. Even then, they will be dying to win and get their hands on the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen this year.
Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka practise at Court Philippe-Chatier
Primarily, the Australian World No.1 and 2019 French Open champion Ashleigh Barty has had an exceptional clay-court season so far. She has won more matches than any other player and has a 13-3 win-loss record, including the Stuttgart Open title.
Moreover, Barty is consistent and disciplined, which puts her on the most favorite list of the French Open. She will also look forward to building more on her set rhythm.
Also, the Aussie ace did not participate last year due to COVID-19 concerns and lack of preparations. Thus, she would want to make up for the lost opportunity.
Special player, special place 📍#RolandGarros | @ashbarty pic.twitter.com/EWJTIXdGvh
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2021
Things, however, have not been the same for this year’s Australian Open champion on clay. It is also arguable that Naomi Osaka‘s skill on hard courts do not entirely come out on the soil surface.
As for her preparations for Roland-Garros 2021, the Japanese star played at the WTA 1000 clay tournaments in Madrid and Rome. Among them, she could bag only one win in Madrid.
However, Osaka is confident about her results in Paris despite the two disappointments. In her practice session, she looked fresh and happy to play at the Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Spotted on Court Philippe-Chatrier, @naomiosaka 👀#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/WXJyYEycqE
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2021
Barty, Osaka and others to look out for at French Open 2021
Apart from the top two seeds, the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams will also compete for the title. In fact, she is also eager to perform well at Roland-Garros.
Furthermore, the 19-year-old Iga Swiatek will defend her Paris crown. Other than her, the Madrid Open winner Aryna Sabalenka will have many eyes on her.
Unfortunately, the two-time champion Simona Halep will not play this year due to a left calf injury. Hence, the battle would be toe-toe-toe to become the French Open champion of 2021.
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Who do you think will win at Roland-Garros this year?
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