Defending champion Iga Swiatek's quest for a record-breaking fourth French Open title could face a formidable challenge from four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka in the second round of the 2024 tournament. The draw, announced on Thursday, has placed Swiatek and Osaka in the same half, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster clash.
Swiatek, who has dominated the women's tennis circuit this season, will begin her title defense against a qualifier or lucky loser. Should she advance, she could face Osaka, who will open her campaign against Italy's Lucia Bronzetti. Osaka, a former World No. 1, has struggled for form in recent months but remains a dangerous opponent on her day.
Another potential obstacle for Swiatek is reigning US Open winner Coco Gauff, who is also in the same half of the draw. Gauff, who has emerged as one of the most promising young players in the world, could face a quarterfinal showdown with Swiatek.
On the other side of the draw, two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will face Erika Andreeva in the first round. Sabalenka, currently ranked World No. 2, will be aiming to make a deep run in Paris after reaching the semifinals in 2021.
Fourth seed Elena Rybakina, the only player to have defeated Swiatek on clay this season, will take on Belgium's Greet Minnen in her opener. Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022, could face seventh-seeded Chinese Qinwen Zheng in the quarterfinals.
Other notable matchups in the projected quarterfinal line-up include reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova against Swiatek, and three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur against Gauff. Eighth-seeded Greek Maria Sakkari could meet Sabalenka in the quarterfinals.
The 2024 French Open will take place from May 26 onwards at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris. Swiatek will be aiming to become the first woman since Justine Henin in 2007 to win four consecutive French Open titles.
Tags: #FrenchOpen, #IgaSwiatek, #NaomiOsaka, #CocoGauff, #ArynaSabalenka
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