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 ATP instalment is the Charleston Open which is littered with a host of top 50 players making for an enthralling battle throughout.

Favourite:

Ash Barty (AUSTRALIA)
It is no surprise that the world number one comes in as a hot favourite ahead of the tournament given her on-court explosiveness. Barty is an A-class player that oozes a never say die attitude. The 24-year-old Australian dynamo has taken the world by storm able to compete and down some of the best in the world thanks her determination and precise shot play. Her ability to dish up aces puts her opponents on the back foot while her impressive vision gives her a further competitive edge. While she did not compete in last years’ Charleston Open, Barty will be raring to go and look to leave her mark on the competition.

Contenders:

Madison Keys (USA)
At just 25, Keys has already made a name for herself as a player to watch able to mix it with the best when on song. There is no denying that when on court she shows plenty of with grit and determination to push her opponents to their limits and dominate. The reigning champion will be looking to make it back-to-back titles and further add to her trophy cabinet. Getting as high as seven on the career rankings back in 2016, expect Keys to be looking to recapture that form and push hard at a tournament she has had recent success at. The right handed 178cm player is a real threat with her court coverage.

Serena Williams (USA)
The 23-time grand slam winner is well aware of what it takes to win on the big stage and has consistently done so across her career. The big serving Williams is one of the most powerful players on the tennis court with her shot selections and sheer quick thinking. Not often out positioned, Williams dictates the play and forces her opponents to play her way more often than not. The former world number one will be looking to recapture her dominance and get another win under her belt to truly cement herself as the greatest in women’s tennis history. At 38, Williams may be towards the twilight of her career but still has plenty of gas left in the tank as shown with her impressive movement across the court and fight back ability to make something out of nothing. With the 2012 and 2013 title locked away, Williams will be looking to once again prove her excellence at Charleston.

Kiki Bertens (NETHERLANDS)
The second seed in last years’ Charleston Open, Bertens will be hoping to have a bigger influence in 2020 and showcase her array of talents on the court. Failing to make the finals after being knocked out in the fourth round, expect Bertens to come out with a real fire in the belly and desire to secure her first title win. At 28 Bertens knows what is at stake and the level needed to compete with the best in the business. Ranking as high as seventh, the Netherlands star will be wanting to emulate that form and re-establish herself as a powerhouse of women’s tennis.

Roughie:

Sloane Stephens (USA)
The American has already proven that she has what it takes to make it in the big league winning the Charleston Open back in 2016 and falling short in 2019 to eventual winner Madison Keys. The 27-year-old has made it as high as number three in the world, testament to her tennis nous and clever shot play on the court. Currently sitting 37th, expect Stephens to throw everything into the Charleston Open given her recent success and desire to climb up the ranks. She is a craft player that knows her way around the court and can have an influence with her clever decision making and speed.

Dark horse:

Monica Puig (PUERTO RICO)
Ranked outside the top 50 last year and not even seeded in the tournament, Puig left nothing to chance with the Puerto Rico tennis star making it all the way to the semi-final. She wowed many fans across the world with her ability to withstand the pressure and fight her way back into the contest, something she will be hoping to do once again in this fantasy tournament. Currently ranked at 90, Puig has the shot play and unpredictability to give her that extra edge. Yet to win a title, this could just be the 26-year-old’s shot at glory given her hot form in 2019 and skill.