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Andreescu, Venus and Coco Sign for WTA Strasbourg Before French Open 2021

Since the French Open 2021 is less than a month away, top players are booking their spots in lead-up tournaments. Subsequently, tennis legend Venus Williams, Canadian Bianca Andreescu, and American teenager Coco have signed up for the WTA Strasbourg 2021.

Internationaux de Strasbourg is a WTA 250 event held in France. Due to the COVID-19 surge in the country, the tournament pushed its date to one week later. Consequently, the competition will start on 22nd and run until May 29, the week before Roland Garros.

Given the timing and location, Strasbourg seems to be the perfect tournament for French Open preparations. Moreover, it will also allow the players to get accustomed to the conditions.

Read More: “Follows the Same Philosophy”: PlantX’s Founder on Hosting Venus Williams

Andreescu to headline the WTA Strasbourg 2021 players field, Venus and Coco to add star power

Canadian World No.6 Bianca Andreescu has not participated in any clay-court tournament this year. Therefore, it is direly crucial for her to get some match-time before the Paris Slam.

Bianca Andreescu
Apr 1, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Bianca Andreescu of Canada reacts after winning the first set against Maria Sakkari of Greece (not pictured) in a women’s singles semifinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Accordingly, the 2019 US Open champion has registered to play at the WTA 250 Strasbourg. She is the only Top 10 player among the 48 players field.

Moreover, the 20-year-old Canadian had skipped the lead-up tournament to Australian Open 2021 and later learned her lesson. It would, thus, be interesting to see her perform in back-to-back events.

Correspondingly, both Venus Williams and Cori Gauff saw an opening-round exit at Madrid Open 2021. Hence, they would be looking forward to spending more time on clay in Strasbourg.

Venus Williams
Venus Williams of the United States celebrates after winning match point in her first round match against Mihaela Buzarnescu of Romania during day two of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 15, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The 40-year-old American and seven-time Grand Slam champion, Venus, has elevated the value of the Strasbourg field. Presently, she has a 2-3 record in 2021 and will eye improvements before going to Paris.

Undoubtedly, the 17-year-old Gauff is one of the most promising players for WTA’s future. Even she needs to spend more time on clay courts to do some damage at the French Open 2021.

Read More: “I’m Not a Professional Clay Court Player”: Naomi Osaka Opens Up on Her Discomfort on Clay

Other WTA players in the Strasbourg field

All four French top players, namely Fiona Ferro, Caroline Garcia, Kristina Mladenovic, and Alize Cornet, will play in Strasbourg. Besides them, 34 WTA titles winner Svetlana Kuznetsova is also on the player’s list.

Two-time champion Samantha Stosur and 2018 winner Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will be chasing their next this year. 18-year-olds Leylah Fernandez and Clara Tauson would be looking for some much-needed experience from the talented field.

Conclusively, the week before the French Open 2021 has shown a great promise of quality tennis. Let us see how it all turns out in time.

Also Read: “Nothing Is Beyond Her Reach”: Jim Courier on Serena Williams Chances at the 2021 French Open

The post Andreescu, Venus and Coco Sign for WTA Strasbourg Before French Open 2021 appeared first on EssentiallySports.

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