Some big names have already crashed out of the French Open draw after losing in qualifying.
Both Carlos Alcaraz and Lorenzo Musetti withdrew from the French Open due to injury, while some other former top players have been competing in qualifying.
This includes former world number three Grigor Dimitrov, who was competing in French Open qualifying for the first time in his career and lost in the first round to extend his losing streak to nine matches.
Dimitrov’s defeat came as less of a surprise than former world number one Karolina Pliskova, who was coming into the French Open in strong form.
Karolina Pliskova loses to world number 177 in French Open qualifying
Pliskova is a former world number one and two-time Grand Slam finalist, but after undergoing surgery on her left ankle, the Czech fell outside the top 1000 after a year on the sidelines.
Despite her lengthy absence, Pliskova has found form on her comeback to the WTA Tour, particularly during the clay court season.
After reaching the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open and the last-16 of the Italian Open, Pliskova climbed up to world number 109.
However, Pliskova’s ranking was still not enough to gain direct entry for the French Open and she decided to save her protected ranking for Wimbledon.
As a result, Pliskova was one of the highest-profile names in the qualifying draw at the French Open, a tournament where she is a former semifinalist.
Pliskova won her first round qualifying match against Yeon Woo Ku, but her run was cut short after losing to world number 177 Marina Bassols Ribera, who beat her 6-3, 6-2.
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Pliskova’s clay court season is now over for this year, and she is now expected to turn her attention to the grass court season.
As of right now, Pliskova is only entered into Wimbledon, where she reached her second Grand Slam final in 2021.
However, Pliskova is currently not entered into any other grass court tournaments, but is likely to be able to get wildcards due to her previous achievements.
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The 34-year-old will also have her eyes on breaking back inside the top 100, as Pliskova attempts to enter the US Open directly and avoid having to play qualifying like at the French Open.
Pliskova is on track to continue rising up the rankings, as she is currently 29th in the race to the WTA Finals.
