There are some dangerous wildcards throughout the mens and women’s draws at Roland Garros this year. From seasoned competitors like Gasquet and Cornet, to new stars like Mpetshi Perricard, the French are out in full force and ready to cause some upsets.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Mpetshi Perricard (image above) should soon be referred to as the Terminator. I had never seen someone make a slow clay court seem like it’s grass until I watched this guy play. He has a devastating serve, monstrous forehand and laser like single handed backhand, not to mention some sleek hands at the net. Perricard is coming off his first ever tournament win in Lyon, after taking out the likes of Bublik and Etcheverry. The big Frenchman is only 20 years old and is going to be a huge threat to anyone in the draw this year.
Adam Walton
Adam Walton is a talented young Australian and one to watch at this years French Open. As an ex-college tennis player Walton has plenty of grit and a fighting spirit from his days at the University of Tennessee. He may not be extremely experienced on clay; however, I think his all-court game and physicality should translate well to the surface at Roland Garros. He plays Arthur Rinderknech in the first round. This will be a great test for Walton but should be quite a competitive match.
Richard Gasquet
Richard Gasquet needs no introduction. The veteran has had an amazing career consistently making quarters of grand slams, whilst having a career high ranking of number 7 in the world. Gasquet’s signature shot is his whippy one-handed backhand which should be in full flight this week. The Frenchman is already through to the second round after a tight three set win over Borna Coric. He faces number 2 seed Jannik Sinner in what will be a tough match. However, Richard has tons of experience and is playing his home slam so could potentially give Jannick a solid match.
Alize Cornet
Alize Cornet holds the record for the most consecutive grand slam appearances in history with 68 in a row. This is an incredible stat and reflects the amazing career Cornet has had. Alize has confirmed that she will be retiring after Roland Garros this year, so she will be looking for a big win in her farewell to professional tennis. The former world number 11 has
made the round of 16 here multiple times and will be fuelled on by a home crowd. She plays number 7 seed Zheng in what should be a tough but exciting match.
Kristina Mladenovic
Mladenovic may be usually a doubles specialist; however, she has proven herself on the singles court and is a former quarter finalist here. On the doubles court she’s won 9 grand slams and achieved the ranking of number 1 in the world. She plays an aggressive game and likes to move into the net and put volleys away. Kristina faces Petra Martic in the first round. With the French fans behind her she should have a strong chance to get through this match and advance to the second round of the tournament.
So, who do you think will cause an upset at Roland Garros 2024?
