Iga Versus the Field
Key Players and Predictions for the 2024 Olympic Women’s Singles Event
Starting the morning after the Olympics’ opening ceremony, the women’s tennis singles event is set to begin on July 27 at 6 am ET. On the men’s side, it’s two names versus the field. It’s similar for the women’s draw, but with one women Iga Swiatek versus the field.
Swiatek has officially cemented herself as the heir to Nadal and the Queen of Clay, especially at Roland Garros. She has won her last 21 matches at Roland Garros, and as the four-time Roland Garros champion, she is clearly the player to beat in the women’s draw. However, in the 2021 Olympics, she did not have the success she wanted, losing to Badosa in the second round. That was on a hard court and before she became the dominant Iga we know now, so expectations are much different this time around. She’s the clear-cut favorite: Iga versus the field. Who else can give her a run for her money or look to medal?
Challengers to Swiatek
Naomi Osaka
In May at this year’s Roland Garros, Naomi Osaka had match point and was serving up 5-2 in the third set to against Swiatek. Iga escaped, and the rest of the tournament was one-way traffic for her. Similar to Elena Rybakina, Osaka is by no means a clay court specialist but has a big enough game to hit Swiatek off the court if she catches fire. In the last Olympics, Osaka had to carry the weight of representing the host nation and lighting the torch. This year, there will be a lot less pressure.
Elena Rybakina
Rybakina, on the other hand, has placed herself in the nonexistent big three with Iga and Sabalenka (who is not playing). She is one of the few players with a winning record over Swiatek on clay, with a 2-0 head-to-head record. Her big hitting and top-two serve on tour, Rybakina has the capability to take the racquet out of Iga’s hand.
Karolína Muchová
Karolína Muchová is another player who, within recent history, took Swiatek to the ropes at Roland Garros but also couldn’t get the job done. She has the most beautiful game since Henin, but has dealt with injuries most of the year. A medal is a tough ask for her.
Coco Gauff
For Coco Gauff, the Olympics will start a bit earlier than stepping on the court. She’s been chosen as the flag bearer for the USA alongside NBA superstar LeBron James. This is probably going to be one of the coolest nights of her life. Playing in dual events, Gauff will be joined by fellow American Jessica Pegula andwill among the favorites to bring home gold in the women’s doubles tournament. In singles, I believe Gauff is capable of beating Swiatek. But after the 6-2, 6-4 semifinal at this year’s Roland Garros, and Swiatek’s record of winning 22 out of 24 sets against Coco, I don’t see that happening.
Being the second seed, she is clearly a favorite to bring home a medal. With her draw, Gauff is in gold medal contention if Swiatek gets upset. With her entrance into the mixed doubles field, Gauff will have a chance at three gold medals in the next week. But, as I’ve been saying, it’s Iga versus the field.
A Couple of Long Shots
Could a lower-ranked player come out and have an unexpected upset?
Emma Navarro looks to continue to build on her impressive season and take it to the next level at the Olympics. She’s proved she can play on all surfaces this year, having good results on hard, clay, and grass. Her heavy forehand, good movement, and touch and slice should make her a tough player on the dirt.
Another name and long shot I look at to make some noise is Diana Shnaider. She’s quietly had a great year, winning multiple clay court titles, and her big hitting, “I don’t give a F@#$” attitude might just get it done. After playing one year at NC State, she’ll be used to a crazy environment. But as a Russian at the Olympics, how will the crowd react to her?
