Martina
Navratilova commented insights into
Coco Gauff's chances at
Roland Garros,
suggesting she could challenge Iga Swiatek in a potential semifinal clash.
Additionally, Navratilova believes
Sofia Kenin could be a player to watch out
for, capable of making a deep run and springing surprises in the tournament.
Both Gauff
and Kenin find themselves in the second quarter of the draw, with Gauff seeded
third and
Ons Jabeur seeded eighth. Despite rankings, Navratilova emphasizes
that clay courts can be unpredictable, with surprises often in store. Alongside
Gauff and Jabeur, players like
Beatriz Haddad Maia,
Jelena Ostapenko, and Sofia
Kenin are considered strong contenders to progress deep into the tournament.
Navratilova
underscores the significance of weather conditions
The
18-times Grand Slam champion believes that weather conditions will be a key
factor for the players, noting that humid weather could neutralize Swiatek's
powerful forehand. Navratilova expressed that wet conditions might favor Coco
Gauff, given her prowess in defense, although she still has areas to improve.
“I think
the biggest thing to keep an eye overall is the weather. When it’s wet, that
helps the other players, because that checks Iga’s topspin forehand -- players
like Coco Gauff, who plays great D. Conditions at Roland Garros are very
unpredictable and they really affect play. Coco’s movement is phenomenal.”
“That keeps
her in points when others can’t sustain it. She wants the
points to go longer because she knows you’re going to eventually miss. If she
can get that serve figured out [45 double faults in Rome], she can go deep in
Paris.”
Gauff will play
the first round against 21-year-old Julia Avdeeva, who will be in her first
Grand Slam main draw.
Could Kenin
spring a surprise?
There will
be four American players in the second quarter led by Gauff and Jabeur.
Alongside the 2023 US Open champion, the name of Sofia Kenin emerges as one of
the dark horses. Despite injuries sidelining her from the spotlight, Kenin's
strong finish in 2023 propelled her back into the top 50.
At 25,
Kenin knows what it takes to be a Grand Slam champion (2020 Australian Open)
and she also reached the final at Roland Garros in 2020. The American boasts a
solid record in Paris of 11-4 (73%).