Iga Sviatek triumphed at Roland Garros in 2020 and 2022, and Mats Wilander believes the Pole is also favorite to win the Paris Grand Slam in 2023.

Mats Wilander considers Iga Sviatek the favorite for Roland Garros 2023, but Olena Rybakina can upset her

The 21-year-old Sveontek also has the 2022 US Open title on his record.

However, Wilander believes that Rybakina could pose problems for the WTA leader, especially if she is not fully recovered from her injury in Rome (injured during the match against Elena).

The former great also does not rule out Aryna Sabalenko from title contention, but says she needs to improve her game on clay.

“At Iga, the only thing I have to worry about a little bit is the physical part. She’s been shot a few times and I think that’s a concern.

Mentally it is not a problem at all. She won in Stuttgart. She has a winning mentality and can beat any opponent. Of course, she lost again to Elena Rybakinia in Rome, so we don’t know where she is physically.

But I still think she is the biggest favorite. She is the best clay court player in the world. The conditions of the game will not have much importance. If the serving is fast, it is great. If they are slower, she has a little more time. If she’s healthy, she’s a clear favorite.

I don’t necessarily think Iga has only two opponents, but Sabalenka and Rybakina have a lot of power and are the biggest threats. Now, if you choose only one, Rybakina says.

I think Sabalenka is very dangerous, but I don’t think her tennis has reached its peak yet. I think he can still improve and do it at Roland Garros. Maybe he’ll make it to the quarterfinals, and then maybe I’ll look at it differently.

But Rybakina is so calm, hits hard and serves perfectly. I don’t feel like she’s going to be too disappointed or too nervous. Arya loves to fight and is a tiger on the court, which is great. But sometimes it can prevent her from playing her best tennis” – Mats Wilander for Eurosport.

The 58-year-old Wilander is a former ATP leader and has won Roland Garros three times in his career (1982, 1985, 1988). In total, the Swede won seven Grand Slam tournaments (three AO and one US Open).

Iga Svyatek and Olena Rybakina, a possible match in the semifinals of Roland Garros 2023

Svyatek and Rybakina will be on the same side of the draw and their hypothetical meeting will take place in the penultimate act of Roland Garros 2023.

Iga (21) and Olena (23) have met four times in WTA tournaments, and the player representing Kazakhstan leads 3-1.

2023, Rome: 2-6, 7-6(3), 2-2 for Rybakin (Sviatek eliminated)

2023, Indian Wells: 6-2, 6-2 for Rybakina

2023, Australian Open: 6-4, 6-4 for Rybakina

2021, Ostrava: 7-6(5), 6-2 for Svyanek.

What the women’s room at Roland Garros could look like if the favorites remain at their status:

Iga Svyatek (1) vs. Coco Gauf (6)

Olena Rybakina (4) vs Ons Zhaber (7)

Maria Sakkari (8) vs. Jessica Pegula (3)

Caroline Garcia (5) vs. Aryna Sabalenko (2).

Roland Garros 2023 (the second Grand Slam of the season) will be held from May 28 to June 11.