French Open 2012: 5 Players Who Will Break onto the Scene After a Strong French

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As another chapter in the Grand Slam book closes, there were many new storylines that unfolded. Old names fell and new names rose.

The 2012 French Open and Roland Garros has introduced the tennis world to some new players.

So after their strong showing in Paris and with Wimbledon and the Olympics not far away, here are five players who will break onto the scene.

Sloane Stephens

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One of the top prospects for the Americans is 19-year-old Sloane Stephens. She has shown potential by winning ITF tournaments here and there, but after her run in the French Open, she has made her name known on the tour.

She did not drop a single set until her fourth-round match, and even in that match she held her own, only being broken twice. Even though many of the seeded players in her bracket were knocked out early by other players, her performance is still notable.

If she continues to improve mentally and physically, Stephens will definitely climb the rankings and have a strong possibility of hoisting a Grand Slam trophy above her head.

Milos Raonic

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The 21-year-old Canadian could have had a stronger run at Roland Garros, but he was still very impressive.

Raonic won his first two matches easily in straight sets and participated in arguably the most exciting match in Paris against No. 13 Juan Monaco. The pair played a four-hour-and-33-minute match that was grueling and tested each player's mental strength.

Despite the defeat, Raonic proved he is a force to contend with. He has already won three titles and reached two other finals.

As long as he continues the way he is playing and does not defeat himself, Milos Raonic will be a name tennis fans will be hearing for a long time.

Sara Errani

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Sara Errani is ready to climb the rankings of women's tennis.

The young Italian is having the best year of her career and improving with every match. She took down four seeded players, including No. 6 Samantha Stosur, on her journey to the French Open final.

Even though Maria Sharapova dominated her in the final match, Errani still claimed the doubles title and proved she is ready to shine on the women's side.

With her growing experience in latter stages of tournaments and playing on big stages, Errani is ready make a name for herself and claim a Grand Slam title.

Andreas Seppi

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This Italian is a late bloomer, but after his run to the fourth round at Roland Garros, no one will be able to overlook him.

He made his deepest run in a major, losing to No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Despite defeat, Seppi in no way should be disappointed.

He took the first two sets from Djokovic and played him tough for all five sets. He showed great tenacity and confidence and certainly made a name for himself.

This 28-year-old has a bright future in front of him, and his impressive French Open performance will propel him to hang with the big names and look to cause a few upsets.

David Goffin

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David Goffin became a lucky loser when Gael Monfils was forced to withdraw, and he certainly made it count.

He defeated Radek Stepanek, Arnaud Clement and Lukasz Kubot in the first three rounds, becoming the first lucky loser to make the round of 16 since 1995.

However, what the 21-year-old Belgian is most known for is taking the first set from Roger Federer and playing him in four hard-fought sets. He showed poise and confidence and proved he is not one to be discounted.

Goffin is young, and after this run in Paris, he will be one to watch for as he most certainly will continue to improve his ranking and take down the big names on the men's side.