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

#5 Victoria Azarenka

There are two reasons why Victoria Azarenka, despite having a spellbinding first quarter of the season, is the least favourite of the five names on this list for the women’s singles title. First of all, clay is not the forte for this hardcourt queen even though her best result at Roland Garros remains a semi-final appearance.

However, uncertainty about the Belarusian’s chances has got more to do with what transpired over the last few weeks. A dogged back injury hampered her chances this European claycourt swing and she was forced to withdraw before her third round match at Madrid. She did play at Rome but was understandably not at her full strength which contributed to her opening round loss.

The good news, though, is that the World No. 5, by her own admission, has been hitting pain-free at Paris. When Vika stormed through the draws at Indian Wells and Miami in March, she was expected to make a serious push for the year’s second Grand Slam especially after how she took a set off Serena during her third round defeat in 2015.

The injury has definitely pushed her down the order but if she starts feeling good and can get a few matches under her belt, Vika can once again be a force to reckon with.

2016 Draw: Azarenka has been put in the same half as Serena and Kerber. A quarter-final with the top seed looms large and the Belarusian needs to be at her full fitness to have any chance.

French Open performance:

Best result: Semi-finals

Last year: Third round