After all the uncertainty and chaos, the 2021 Olympics will finally get underway on July 23 in Tokyo. However, the women’s tennis event too, like the men’s will only commence from July 24. Perhaps, Serena Williams and Simona Halep are the only big name missing from the current roster. Unlike the men’s event, the women’s category hasn’t seen too many withdrawals, which augurs well for the sport.
With Monica Puig out of contention, we are guaranteed to see a new champion and medallist from the WTA tour climb the podium in the next fortnight.
World No.1 and Wimbledon champion Ash Barty will lead the women’s field. The Australian will be looking to win her first ever medal at the Olympics after her heroics at the All England Club, earlier in the month. Naomi Osaka will be the second seed and will return to action in front of her fans. The Japanese girl loves playing on the hard courts and has already won four Grand Slams on the surface. She will be keen to create history.
Wimbledon semifinalist Aryna Sabalenka and newly-wed Elina Svitolina will be seeded third and fourth respectively. Both players possess a steady game from the back court and can be dangerous on the hard courts.
List of top seeds at 2021 Olympics
- Ash Barty
- Naomi Osaka
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Elina Svitolina
- Karolina Pliskova
- Iga Swiatek
- Garibine Muguruza
- Barbora Krejcikova
- Belinda Bencic
- Petra Kvitova
It will be interesting to see how Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova shapes up in Tokyo after her impressive run at the All England Club. But perhaps, all eyes will be on the young Iga Swiatek. The Pole has been making regular headlines after winning her maiden French Open in 2020 and will be keen on going deep at the Olympics too.
Going by experience, Spain’s Garbine Muguruza too can be a tough and dogged customer at the Olympics. The focus will also be on 2021 Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova, who would want to add an Olympic medal to her kitty, in what has been an incredible year for her.
Also read: List of Top seeds for Tokyo Olympics Men’s Singles
