2021 French Open Preview

Middle States Players 

After a year of postponements, the 2021 French Open is a full go. Lighter COVID-19 restrictions are allowing more fans to attend during the two weeks at Roland Garros. On each of the three main show courts at Roland Garros, up to 1,000 people will be allowed into the stadium, while smaller courts will admit up to 35% capacity. Once the quarterfinals start, however, the attendance regulations will change. The three show courts will hold up to 5,000 spectators, while the smaller courts will be allowed to admit 65% capacity. 

American success at the French Open has been limited to a select few players. Over the history of the tournament, only nine American men and women have won, including Andre Agassi, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams. In this year's tournament, the men’s and women’s brackets have at least 27 American players. The USTA Middle States section will be well represented on the women's side with Jennifer Brady, Ann Li, Madison Brengle and Varvara Lepchenko. Bjorn Fratangelo represents on the men’s side. 

Jennifer Brady burst onto the scene earlier this year with her run to the Australian Open final. A Harrisburg native, Brady turned pro in 2014 after two years at UCLA. Brady initially found success at the ITF level. She had her best year on the tour in 2020, capped off by a semi-finals run in the US Open. Now at No. 14 in the world rankings, Brady prepared for this year's French Open by competing in Madrid and Rome where she reached the second and third round, respectively.