PARIS (AFP) - Iga Swiatek has her sights set on back-to-back French Open crowns despite a recent thigh injury and the world number one remains optimistic of being fully fit for her opening round match on Tuesday.
Swiatek was forced to retire from her Italian Open quarterfinal against eventual champion Elena Rybakina after suffering the injury, but said the extra days off could help her as she chases a third Roland Garros title in four years.
Having won the claycourt tournament in Stuttgart last month and finished runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid, the Pole remains the favorite in Paris as she begins her 61st week at the top of the WTA rankings.
Swiatek, who turns 22 this week, will face Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in the first round on Court Philippe-Chatrier while Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina takes on Czech qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova.
Tunisian Ons Jabeur also picked up an injury in the build-up to the French Open but said she has returned to full fitness after a calf problem prevented her from defending her Madrid title.