French Open 2013: Under-the-Radar Contenders to Watch for in Women's Draw

Serena Williams, the 15-time Grand Slam champion, enters Roland Garros as the woman to beat in the 2013 French Open.

But before we go crowning the world No. 1, it should be pointed out that Williams has not won on the clay in Paris since she was a 20-year-old in 2002. Plus, Williams is coming off a first-round upset at this Slam a year ago.

Given those simple facts, tennis fans should anticipate some other contenders to steal the spotlight this summer.

Here we'll highlight a trio of female contenders flying under the radar heading into the French Open.

Dominika Cibulkova

2012 French Open quarterfinalist Dominika Cibulkova currently ranks inside the WTA top 20 despite boasting a mediocre 12-12 singles record and zero titles this season.

The 24-year-old Slovakian reached the final in Sydney back in January but hasn't won more than two matches at a tournament since. Therefore, Cibulkova is set to enter Roland Garros in stealth mode, with very few tennis fans expecting much from her.

Although she's been inconsistent at the French Open over the course of her career, she's played some of her best tennis on the red clay in Paris, reaching the semifinals in 2009 and the quarterfinal a year ago.

Clearly the dirt isn't a huge issue for Cibulkova, which gives her an edge over some of the more speed-based players in the women's game. Her fourth-round win over Victoria Azarenka at last year's French Open was a great example.

Alize Cornet

A French player with a game suited best for the clay, 23-year-old Alize Cornet has the potential to make some serious noise in Paris this summer.

Currently ranked No. 31 in the world, Cornet has reached five clay-court tournament finals during her career, winning championships in countries like Hungary and Austria. 

Cornet's deepest run at the French Open came in 2008 when she reached the third round. Following a first-round loss at Roland Garros a year ago, she enters this year's Slam flying way under the radar.

The French No. 2 is currently in the midst of a deep run on the clay at the WTA Internationaux de Strasbourg in France, where she's yet to drop a single set in three match wins. Cornet will play in the semifinals on Friday and potentially the final on Saturday before heading to Paris.

Francesca Schiavone

Despite getting set to turn 33 years old this June, Italian Francesca Schiavone will be a dark-horse contender at the 2013 French Open.

Champion of this tournament in 2010, Schiavone has never been past the quarterfinal stage at any other Grand Slam. She reached the final in Roland Garros two years ago before losing to Li Na and fell in the third round in 2012.

While age has become a serious factor for Schiavone, she will have an advantage over many players given her strength on the clay. Five of her six career singles titles have come on the red stuff, including her championship win in Morocco last month.

With a French Open title already under her belt, Schiavone is one of the few players on the women's side who will be able to draw on her championship experience.

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