The entry list for next months French Open has been revealed with organisers confirming that both Andy Murray and Serena Williams have been included.
Three-time grand slam champion Murray hasn’t played a match since Wimbledon due to a hip injury. At the start of the year he underwent surgery to aid his recovery. It is unclear as to when the Brit will return to the tour, but his presence in Roland Garros would be unexpected. Murray is likely to start his comeback at one of the two new Challenger events taking place in his home country before embarking upon the grass season. He has already confirmed his intention to play at the Rosmalen Grass Court Championships, which will start the week after the French Open.
In the men’s draw, Roger Federer is the only notable absentee. The Swiss world No.2 has decided to skip the clay-court swing of the tour for the second year in a row to rest. Ensuring that 10-time champion Rafael Nadal will be the top seed in the draw. Three players have also entered the tournament with a use of their protected ranking. Andreas Haider-Maurer (AUT), Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) and Steve Darcis (BEL).
Another player using their protected ranking to play in Paris is Williams. The American is in the process of returning to the tour after giving birth to her first child last September. She is a three-time champion at the French Open. Last winning the title back in 2015.
Currently ranked 445th in the world, Williams has played just two tournaments so far this season on the WTA Tour. Starting her comeback at Indian Wells, she reached the third round before losing to sister Venus. Then at the Miami Open she went out in the first round to Naomi Osaka. She is set to return to action next month at the Madrid Open.
Victoria Azarenka (BLR), Saisai Zheng (CHN), Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA), Kristina Kucova (SVK) and Vania King (USA) have also entered the draw via their protected rankings.
The French Open will get underway on May 27th. Rafael Nadal and Jelena Ostapenko are the defending champions.
Full entry lists
Men’s singles
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Women’s singles
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