French Open 2015: Sleepers Capable of Deep Runs at Roland Garros
While the top names are certain to remain top contenders at the 2015 French Open, never count out the possibility of some major surprises at the second Grand Slam of the year.
Rafael Nadal has dominated the past decade at Roland Garros on the men's side while Serena Williams is pretty much the favorite in every event in the women's draw. But we have seen a bit more parity on each side over the past couple of seasons. This could lead to some lesser-known competitors playing into the second week and possibly a championship.
If players such as Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep and others falter in Paris, look for these challengers to pick up the slack with strong showings.
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Nick Kyrgios
At just 20 years old, Nick Kyrgios is ready to take on the best in the world.
The Australian showed he wasn't afraid of top competition at last year's Wimbledon when he battled his way to the quarterfinals, a feat he replicated at the Australian Open. Now he will try to match or surpass this part of the bracket at Roland Garros.
Even with some tough losses on clay in 2015, his trip to the final of the Millennium Estoril Open showed he can succeed on that surface. The win over Roger Federer in Madrid further cemented this status.
The only doubt for Kyrgios came in Nice when an elbow injury forced him to retire. However, he confidently stated he would be fine for the upcoming major tournament:
At his best the young player can beat anyone in the world, which is a scary thought for everyone in his draw.
Fabio Fognini
Although the inconsistent performer is not someone you want to bet on, Fabio Fognini has the pure talent to cause some major noise this week.
The Italian—who is 0-5 on hard courts this season—has fared much better on clay, including two wins over Rafael Nadal. While the Spanish star clearly hasn't looked like himself in 2015, these are still victories you tell your grandchildren about some day.
Russell Fuller of BBC Sport also broke down another impressive showing for Fognini this month:
He has had some success at Roland Garros in the past, and if he plays to his ability, he can make some waves this time around.
Although not exactly an unknown for those who follow women's tennis, Svetlana Kuznetsova is certainly under the radar going into the French Open. The veteran is currently ranked 18th in the world and is listed at just 50-1 odds to win the tournament, according to Odds Shark.
Hannah Wilks of LiveTennis.com certainly thinks this is a mistake:
The 2009 champion seemingly proves every year she's not finished competing at this clay-court event, although people keep underestimating her. Kuznetsova's run to the final in Madrid earlier this month also proved she can still beat the top names in the sport, including Maria Sharapova, Ekaterina Makarova and more.
With more experience than most of her competition and the talent to compete against anyone, Kuznetsova might represent a great value pick for bettors.
Daria Gavrilova
Although not a household name just yet, Daria Gavrilova is on her way toward big things. The 21-year-old Russian has had an outstanding start to 2015 and will now try to make her mark in a Grand Slam.
So far this season, Gavrilova has ITF tournament titles at Burnie and Launceston in Australia as well as a run to the semifinals at the Italian Open in Rome. She also has individual wins over both Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic while competing well with other top names throughout the season.
A competitor who began the year at 233 in the world rankings now sits at 45 and is likely still climbing.
Even without past success at Grand Slam events like many of her opponents at Roland Garros, Gavrilova will be one person no one will want to face in the tournament.
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