Serena Williams, Barty given big tests in Roland Garros draw

Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

Serena Williams, Ashleigh Barty given big tests in Roland Garros draw

Originally posted on Tennisbuzz | Last updated 5/27/21

Ashleigh Barty and Serena Williams have both been handed tough paths in a strong Roland Garros draw.

Serena Williams is bidding for a record-equalling 24th career major title, although she already holds the record for the Open Era.

She has been drawn in the same quarter as Aryna Sabalenka, with Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, and Madison Keys also potential opponents.

Barty, meanwhile, could face emerging teenage sensation Coco Gauff early on.

The world No. 1 is arguably in the toughest section of the women’s Roland Garros draw, with Ons Jabeur, Jennifer Brady, Karolina Pliskov, Karolina Muchova, Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina all in her quarter.

Meanwhile, last year’s finalists Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin are in the same section and could meet in the quarterfinals.

2021 women’s singles draw #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/GfB9eJzgHJ

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2021

Maria Sakkari, Garbine Muguruza, and Elise Mertens will also be fancying their chances of impressing in that section.

The remaining quarter sees Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu paired. British number one Johanna Konta and Belinda Bencic will like their chances of advancing, though, particularly given Osaka’s struggles on clay and Andreescu’s lack of tennis in the last 18 months.

This article first appeared on Tennisbuzz and was syndicated with permission.

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