French Open: Top 5 contenders for the women’s singles title

#4 Simona Halep

Simona Halep is the only player other than Serena on this list who has got a taste of playing a final in Paris. In her breakthrough Slam performance in 2014, the Romanian had gained quite a few fans with her court craft, intelligent shot-making and her fabulous movement.

However, pressure to live up to it has been telling. She crashed out in the second round last year in an insipid display. This year, Halep had been particularly struggling at the beginning of the season and even went winless in back-to-back tournaments in February.

It was only in March that she started showing sparks during the North American hardcourt swing. After a minor blip at Stuttgart, her resurgence gathered storm at Madrid where the 24-year-old played to her potential to clinch the title.

Even though she faltered at Rome, her Madrid success should go a long way in boosting her sprits ahead of the French Open.

2016 Draw: While Agnieszka Radwanska is her potential quarter-final rival, Garbine Muguruza in the semis can be quite a tricky challenge.

French Open performance:

Best result: Final

Last year: Second round