The race to win the women’s title at the French Open feels as competitive as ever, with Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek two of the players firmly in the mix to challenge for the crown.
Swiatek is very much the one to beat at this tournament, having won the last three Roland Garros titles, proving the dominant force when it comes to the clay-court Grand Slam.
Gauff has come into the tournament with a bit of confidence under her belt, however, and along with Aryna Sabalenka and Swiatek, she will be heavily fancied to go well in Paris.
The 21-year-old hasn’t added to the US Open title she won in 2023 just yet, but has reached the final at Roland Garros before, making her a very dangerous proposition for the opposition.
John McEnroe picks most likely French Open winner out of Swiatek and Gauff
Both players will surely be in the mix to win the big prize at the second Grand Slam of the year, with all eyes on Swiatek after a somewhat erratic start to 2025.
Both players have time on their side to collect more Grand Slam titles, but in the case of Gauff, she will be desperate to add that second big crown to her maiden accolade back in 2023.
McEnroe has been doing some work for TNT Sports and he’s shared who he thinks is more likely to claim the French Open prize if the winner does come from one of those two players.
He said: “Coco has done well. Let’s not forget she has been in the finals here a few times. She has had some good runs. She has some issues with the serve; she likes to go big and show she can pop it at 120mph, but maybe her percentage is a little low.
“I don’t want to say the yips, but at times her serve goes really off and throws in a lot of doubles. That’s an issue which needs to be worked on. Maybe it’s not quite as much of an issue on this court, but it certainly is not helpful.
“Forehand can go off a little bit, but it seems like she has been doing that pretty well. Her backhand is awesome, her movement is awesome, and her attitude is great.
“Great young lady. She is certainly one of the three or four players you would pick. Would I pick her ahead of Swiatek even though I saw her beat her recently on clay? I don’t know if I would pick anyone ahead of Swiatek, even though she has not won a tournament in a year.
“I know she is secretly hoping that Ostapenko loses! But I’m not sure any girl on tour is like I want to show Swiatek how it’s done on clay.
“I guess her and Sabalenka are the favourites. Coco is the next one I am thinking of. But it’s open, it’s going to be somewhat unpredictable, I would think, in this particular event. We are not giving it to Swiatek.”
Swiatek makes tennis history in first round French Open match
Despite some struggles so far this year, Swiatek has to be considered the favourite for the crown, given what she’s achieved at the event in the past.
After coming through a first-round match against Rebecca Sramkova, Swiatek became the first female currently still active to win 36 main draw matches at the French Open.
It showcases what a powerhouse she is on this surface and she won’t be in the mood for letting up when she takes on Emma Raducanu in round two.
However, if there is one player who put a spanner in the works for Swiatek this week, it’s Gauff and the pair could meet later on in the tournament with plenty at stake.
The women’s game right now is in a very healthy place, and it will once again be fascinating to see who will be lifting the trophy in just under two weeks.
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