French Open Dark Horses: Ones to Watch in Paris

(The Post News)– As the French Open kicks off on Sunday, all eyes are on the big names, but a few under-the-radar stars could shake things up in the women’s singles draw. Here are four players who might just pull off a surprise:

Jasmine Paolini (Italy)- World Rankings: 4

She’s had a dream season, winning a major title in Rome and an Olympic gold medal in doubles. Now, the 29-year-old is hoping to finally win her first Grand Slam. Even though she’s ranked higher than French Open queen Iga Swiatek, Paolini is keeping things calm. She’s focused on taking things match by match, not the hype.

Zheng Qinwen (China)- World Ranking: 8

Zheng just won Olympic gold in singles and is often compared to her idol Li Na, China’s first Grand Slam champion. She made the final in Australia earlier this year but hasn’t gone deep at the French Open yet. Still, with her powerful forehand and recent strong form, she’s definitely a threat.

Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia)- World Ranking: 21

She’s done it before, winning the French Open in 2017. Just last month, she beat both the world No. 1 and No. 2 at the same clay tournament, something no woman had done in over a decade. Her go-big-or-go-home style makes her unpredictable but dangerous.

Naomi Osaka (Japan)- World Ranking: 49

Osaka returned to tennis last year after becoming a mom and just won her first title since 2021. Clay has never been her best surface; she’s never made it past the third round in Paris. But she nearly beat Swiatek at last year’s tournament, so she clearly still has that champion spark.