This tournament last year, brought me one of my favorite sporting moments, Simona Halep became a grand slam champion. It was fourth time lucky in a final, after she defeated Sloane Stephens 3-6 6-4 6-1, there was nobody more deserving. If people could define words, Halep would define ‘fight’. She has the heart of a lion, and the talent to match. Just a brilliant competitor that has been involved in some of the classic matches, that have helped to transform the women’s game to monumental levels, in recent years.
So, considering the Romanian has reached the final in Roland Garros in three of the last five years, she has to be the favourite heading into the tournament. Although, Halep is yet to win a title this year on tour, I’m expecting her to put up a tough defence of her French Open title. If the courts are playing slower than usual, Halep will be very difficult to beat, but there’s others players currently in better form, so I’m swaying towards them this year.
Heading the challenge after her success in Madrid earlier this month, is Kiki Bertens. I think Bertens will become a grand slam champion in Paris. She’s reached number four in the world, which should mean a favourable draw, and the Dutch clay-court specialist has set a high standard this year. I think her shot variations will be absolutely key, and if she plays with the same confidence and prowess that she did in Madrid, it will take some performance from an opponent to defeat her.
Obviously, the world number one, Naomi Osaka, has to get a mention. An absolute winning machine, looking to collect her third consecutive grand slam. If successful, she would become just the second women’s player in the last 20 years to win a hat-trick of grand slams, along with Serena Williams. Osaka’s foot movement and huge ground-strokes are a joy to watch on the hard courts, but perfecting the same style on clay, is incredibly difficult. The Japanese star has been struggling with injuries and under-performing on clay this season, but write her off at your peril. She knows how to win tournaments, and peaks on the biggest stage. Osaka has something you can’t buy, experience of closing out grand slam finals. If she reaches the ‘business end’ of the tournament, she becomes favourite, because of that winning run.
Karolina Plisokva is arguable the best current player in the world, yet to register a grand slam title. Ahead of every tournament, the Czech is one of the favourites, however she is yet to deliver when it matters most. Her talent is unquestionable, since August 2016, she has reached one final, two semi-finals and four quarter-finals, which is some achievement at this level, in this era. A model of consistency. Pliskova won the Italian Open earlier this month, her biggest title on clay, so maybe this is the year, it all comes together and she becomes a grand slam champion.
Serena Williams has played just one match on clay, since last years French Open. However, she’s still one of the front-runners, it’s Serena Williams, in a grand slam. The American will always carry that aura and power around the court. Winning experience counts for so much, and you’ll struggle to find an athlete with more winning experience than Serena Williams.
Stephens went on a superb run last year in Paris, to reach the final. She’s made another solid start to her clay court season, reaching the semi-final in Madrid. Similar to Osaka, Stephens has that experience of winning a grand slam, which could prove pivotal if facing Plisoka or Bertens, who haven’t lifted a grand slam title, yet.
As always, the women’s tournament will be epic. It is wide-open, who will grab the moment and write their name in history? I can’t wait to find out.
Who are the fans predicting to win the 2019 French Open titles?
@MyTennisSeat: Djokovic and Halep
@hbopinions: Thiem/Nadal and Kvitova
@mikikant_liber: Djokovic and Azarenka
@JonPhil81081632: Nadal and Halep
@HelenHumphrey83: Nadal and Halep
@doik77: Nadal and Halep
@fraziersracket: Nadal and Halep
Thanks to everyone that got involved. If you want to share your opinion next time, follow on Twitter: @TennisBrainWork
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