She is far from tumbling in long strides, carried by a radiant spring and an irresistible rhythmic game. Caroline Garcia begins her 14th major draw this Sunday at Roland-Garros against German qualifier Eva Lys (145th in the world), in her little shoes. With ultimately only one certainty, behind which she has stood with conviction for months: it is the attack and the offensive that will take her far.
The 30-year-old Lyonnaise’s playing identity has been precisely defined for a while now, based on the guidance of her coach, Bertrand Perret. Plans are established and anchored. But on a few shots, the matter is inevitably perilous and the ball has often gone the wrong way in recent weeks.
She relies on the magic of the place
Exited sharply in the 2nd round in Madrid by Jasmine Paolini then in Rome by Danielle Collins, with a similar offensive route but a tone above, the 23rd in the world would have liked a few more matches and fights before arriving at Porte d’Auteuil. If only to nourish one’s convictions, failing to create certainties. Because the numbers haven’t really been booming for a year and a half and her coronation at the Masters in Fort Worth (United States) in the fall of 2022, which had placed her again at 4th place in the world, the best ranking of her career. Since this great success, the Lyonnaise has not won a title (two WTA 250 finals) and has lost thirteen of her fifteen matches against a top 20 player.
But the French No. 1 is not giving up. Quarter-finalist in 2017 (beaten by Pliskova), but ousted in the 2nd round of the French Open during the last three editions, Garcia is still counting on the magic of Roland to carry her and give her a little saving boost.
“It’s a chance to play a Grand Slam at home. I want to receive the support of the public and to have a nice sharing with them. Compared to my start to the season and my history, I know that my level can allow me to beat any player. Am I able to produce it over two weeks? It’s a question mark. I’m not going to say that I’m the favorite, that’s for sure, but do I believe in my chances? Yes,” she proclaims, with conviction.
