Tennis analyst picks Coco Gauff as favorite depite poor form and tough challenge from Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina

Jim Courier believes Coco Gauff to be the American to watch out for amongst the lot in Paris for the upcoming 2023 French Open.

Tennis analyst picks Coco Gauff as favorite depite poor form and tough challenge from Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina

Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina (Image via: WTA)

There was a time when the Americans on the women’s side of the game ruled the French Open. Some prominent WTA players including the likes of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert won nine titles between 1974 and 1986. Evert had seven of them to her name. However, in recent times, Americans have found it difficult to stamp their authority in Paris.

The 21st century has only seen two players lift the Paris Trophy. Jennifer Capriati in 2001. Serena Williams in 2002, 2013, and 2015. The Americans are experiencing a drought, and their hopes are pinned on a young star. 19-year-old Coco Gauff is seen as the one to bring a Paris title to the US once again.

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Gauff showed signs of clay knowledge in her French Open campaign last time. Not dropping a single set all the way to the final. The American, though, faced a stiff challenge in the form of Iga Swiatek in the finale. She eventually lost to her 6-1, 6-3. However, the fortnight was one to remember for the 19-year-old.

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When asked about Guaff’s chances, Jim Courier had this to say, “Coco deserves to be in the discussion given her run last year at the event. She is having some issues on the singles court right now. Hopefully, she can solve that in Paris. The doubles court has been a safe harbor that can give her confidence for another good run in Paris.” 2023 presents another opportunity for the American.”

However, the draw is tougher than ever. Rybakina, Sabalenka, and Swiatek are all eyeing the Paris title. The task is tough, but one can back the tough American to scale it. She made it to the final at 18. A prestigious title at 19 would be the icing on the cake, for sure.

Related: Anhelina Kalinina backs Elena Rybakina ahead of Sabalenka to replace Iga Swiatek for #1 in WTA rankings

Andy Roddick feels the Women’s side has many American contenders

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Maddison Keys and Sloane Stephens (Image via USOpen.org)

Roddick, an American ace himself, was surprised by the number of active Americans in the draw who have done well in the past in Paris. The fact that Gauff, Sofia Kenin, and Sloane Stephens made the final here previously proves his point.

“As I think about the women’s side, I am like, wait a minute. We have three players who are active and have been in the finals of this slam,” he firmly noted.

He also mentioned Madison Keys, who has made the semifinals here before. He also said that all these performers, surprisingly, are not the most reliable picks we have.

“That’s Jess Pegula,” said Andy.

He then concluded by saying that American women are going to be fun to watch. Now, with that being said, is anyone going to win the title? Only time will tell.

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