The Canadian tennis scene has reached new heights in recent years thanks to talented young players, who have broken into the biggest stages.
The results have been less convincing this season, but Canada’s top players will look to rectify that at Roland Garros.
At 10e world rank, Félix Auger-Aliassime is the highest ranked Canadian heading into the second Grand Slam of the season.
Denis Shapovalov, who also helped Canada win the Davis Cup last fall, is the other Canadian in men’s singles at Roland Garros.
Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 Flushing Meadows champion, leads the Canadian women’s singles charge. She is joined by Leylah Fernandez, who reached the New York final in 2021, and Rebecca Marino.
PHOTO GEOFF BURKE, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES
Bianca Andreescu
“After success, there’s often a consolidation phase,” said Robert Bettauer, longtime tennis commentator and former Canadian Davis Cup coach.
“You are becoming better known. Your rivals are starting to understand your style of play, so it gets harder. »
Auger-Aliassime, of Montreal, and Shapovalov, 31e in the standings, from Richmond Hill, Ont., have both battled knee injuries this season.
Auger-Aliassime also pulled out of a game at Lyon with a shoulder problem.
Andreescu, of Mississauga, Ont., is ranked 41e in the world while Fernandez, of Laval, Quebec, is at 51e rank. Marino, from Vancouver, is 79e.
Although their rankings have dropped a bit lately, it can be easy to forget that Auger-Aliassime, Shapovalov, Andreescu and Fernandez are all in their early 20s.
They are very dangerous players. Any player, if he can get a few good wins in a row, could go on a roll. It’s not unrealistic that one of these players could end up in the quarter-finals. From there, you have a real chance.
Robert Bettauer, commentator and CEO of the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence
Andreescu was ranked fourth in the world in 2019 while Fernandez reached a career high last August, becoming 13e.
Auger-Aliassime was sixth last November and Shapovalov was 10e rank in 2020.
Spaniard Rafael Nadal is not back to defend his title this year. The one who has 14 titles on clay in Paris is nursing a hip injury.
Newly installed at the top of the ATP, Carlos Alcaraz is definitely a favorite, while defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland is the headliner for the ladies. She was also the queen of the tournament in 2020.
Auger-Aliassime will start the competition against Italian Fabio Fognini and Shapovalov, seeded No. 26, is due to face American Brandon Nakashima first.
Andreescu will go first against Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, 18e first in the series.
Fernandez will face Magda Linette of Poland, 21e seed, while Marino will cross swords with Diana Shnaider of Russia.
At 18e rank, Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski is the top-ranked Canadian in women’s doubles. She will team up with Brazilian Luisa Stefani and also plans to play mixed doubles with American Nathaniel Lammons.
The main draw starts on Sunday and the tournament continues until June 11.