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 is the Strasbourg Open with the reigning champ to return along with a host of big tennis names. 

FAVOURITE:

Sofia Kenin (USA)

The number one ranked player heading into the tournament Kenin is an exciting prospect for American tennis and world tennis. 2020 has proved to be the year for Kenin with the 21-year-old taking out the Australian Open and the Lyon Open credit to her ability to cover the court with ease and consistently ply her trade. Despite being knocked out in the Round of 16 at the Italian Open, Kenin has been in strong form and will be eager to back up her hot performances again this tournament.

CONTENDERS:

Serena Williams (USA)

The 23-time grand slam winner is no slouch on the tennis court with her power and explosiveness constantly on display. At 38, Williams has shown no signs of slowing down with the American tennis star leaving many fans in awe with her sheer strength and skill. Ranked ninth in the world the powerful right-hander is a machine on the court able to do the unthinkable and work her way back into a match no matter what the situation is. Williams fell short of making the Round of 16 at the Italian Open but that is no reason to discount the highly talented American heading into this tournament. 

Aryna Sabalenka (BLR)

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka is in prime position ahead of the Strasbourg Open with the 22-year-old coming in as the third seed in the tournament. After reaching the semi-final last year, expect Sabalenka to have one eye on taking it one match further and taking out the title. She showcased her array of talent in the Italian Open before being bundled out by Simona Halep in the quarter-finals. 

Dayana Yastremska (UKR)

The reigning Strasbourg Open winner will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins. She knows what it takes to win on the big stage and stand up and deliver. The seventh seed is no mean feat, able to hold her own and use her impressive court coverage to get to return serve. At just 20, Yastremska is an exciting prospect with plenty of potential and already ranked 25th in the world will be keen to once again assert herself on the tennis world. 

ROUGHIE:

Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)

The experienced Russian, is one to keep an eye on throughout the Strasbourg Open given her recent form making it to the Round of 16 in the Italian Open . Sitting outside the seeded players, Kuznetsova holds the number 32 ranking in the world and will be hoping that a couple of wins here will help boost her up, with the 34-year-old reaching as high as two all the way back in 2007. While she might have some strong players in her side of the draw Kuznetsova is no easy beat and oozes plenty of experience. 

DARK HORSE:

Sloane Stephens:

The third American to feature is Sloane Stephens with the 27-year-old a true competitor on the court. With plenty of firepower and drive Stephens will have her work cut out for her throughout the tournament, proving she has the class to muster up the unthinkable and throw players off their game with her grit and determination. Although she has the likes of Williams and Sabalenka on her side of the draw, Stephens is still a chance to topple them and progress to the final stages of the tournament.