The French Open, the pinnacle of clay-court tennis, is fast approaching, and the WTA’s top stars are gearing up for the challenge. While the ATP throws players into the clay-court fire early, the WTA takes a more gradual approach, with a 500-level event in Stuttgart and the Mutua Madrid Open, a WTA 1000, serving as warm-ups.
The Big Four
Iga Swiatek (+100) remains the overwhelming favorite, having won the French Open three times already. Her exceptional break percentage on clay (51.6%) and world-class baseline play make her a formidable opponent.
Aryna Sabalenka (+460) is another Grand Slam champion with a strong record on clay (51-24). Her power and ability to chase down balls on slower courts give her a shot at Roland Garros glory.
Coco Gauff (+900) has proven her clay-court prowess by reaching the 2022 French Open final. Her relentless baseline play and exceptional backhand make her a threat, but consistency issues have hindered her progress.
Elena Rybakina (+1400) may be an underdog, but her Wimbledon title and strong clay-court record (42-19) make her a contender. Her reliable serve and ability to mix in comfortable holds give her a solid foundation.
Don’t Sleep On…
Jessica Pegula (+5000) is an intriguing outsider. Her all-court game and recent form make her a potential dark horse. A run to the semifinals in Charleston and a runner-up finish in Madrid in 2022 demonstrate her clay-court capabilities.
