AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Draft Central is extending the fantasy tennis coverage throughout the ATP and WTA seasons to simulate tournaments and see just how they might have gone down. The next WTA tournament to be completed will be the Bogota Open, which was meant to be held in April. 

FAVOURITE

Marie Bouzkova (CZECH REPUBLIC) 

With the reigning champion in Amanda Anisimova not competing, 21-year-old first seed, Marie Bouzkova will look to be the one to beat with a solid lead-up to the tournament putting her in the spotlight for a potential maiden title. With one final behind her already this year – defeating two seeds in the process – Bouzkova will need to take advantage of her form but on a lesser preferred surface and prove she has what it takes to go far once more.

CONTENDERS

Caroline Garcia (FRANCE)

A past champion here and fourth seed this time around, Garcia will want to look back to her stellar 2014 form which saw her collect her inaugural WTA title. The 26-year-old will come into this tournament as the most experienced seed with seven titles under her belt but plenty of talented up-and-comers in the draw making it a tough one especially with recent losses against at least two of her fellow seeds in Alison van Uytvanck and Fiona Ferro. That being said, Garcia already having won this tournament could tip the scales her way, making her a real contender.

Astra Sharma (AUSTRALIA)

The tenacious Aussie almost went all the way here last year, coming agonisingly close to her maiden title and almost pulling off a double-victory, collecting the doubles title while she was at it. While 24-year-old Sharma was pipped at the post by then 17-year-old Anisimova, she put up an impressive fight in a breakthrough week so will hope to replicate that stellar form this time around. 

Lara Arruabarrena (SPAIN)

No stranger to the Bogota tournament, 28-year-old Arruabarrena has won here three times – though twice were in the doubles – and will take that tournament experience into this season once more. Though her 2012 victory was a while back now, Arruabarrena was runner-up in both 2017 and 2018 – and could have followed it up once more in 2019 if it wasn’t for Sharma’s stellar run – proving she is not one to back down especially on her preferred surface. The wildcard is always a strong competitor on the clay, putting her in with a good chance if she can keep up the consistency.

ROUGHIE

Victoria Azarenka (BELARUS)

A former world number one with plenty of experience, one can never overlook Azarenka who has 20 titles under her belt, albeit most recently in 2016. With a winning mentality and the drive to go hard into every contest, Azarenka is a tough beat but having only recently returned to the court she could have a tough time especially coming up against some stellar young talent making its way up the ranks.

DARK HORSE

Alison Van Uytvanck (BELGIUM)

24-year-old Van Uytvanck had a stellar 2019 season and will want to capitalise on that form here to really push for a follow-up title. While she is not at her strongest on clay, she has proven she can compete with some real top-end talent and push them to the end. Van Uytvanck is renowned for her strong serve but has had a tough time on the clay recently so will look to go one better and prove she has what it takes.