Ranking top ten WTA players who have yet to win a major: Caroline Garcia
By Andrew Stutz
At the 2011 French Open, Caroline Garcia caught the eye of the tennis world, including Andy Murray, by almost upsetting Maria Sharapova in the second round. While Garcia has yet to rise to world number 1 as Murray predicted, she has risen into the top 5 of both singles and doubles. She has lifted major titles in doubles, but not yet in singles.
Twice in her career, Carolina Garcia has found herself as the best player in the world for a few weeks. In late 2017, Garcia won back-to-back WTA 1000 titles in China and qualified for the WTA Finals. In late 2022, Garcia won the 1000 title in Cincinnati, reached the semifinals at the US Open, and then won the WTA Finals.
In a sport dominated by the return, WTA players with powerful serves stick out. In 2022, Garcia led the tour in aces. As good as her first serve is, I believe her second serve is what separates her from other big servers. Garcia is able to hit a heavy kick serve which pushes her opponents back and prevents most from attacking her second serve.
Caroline Garcia is number 5 of the best WTA to never win a Grand Slam
At her best, Garcia is lethal at the one-two serve and big forehand combination. She has the ability to finish the points at the net, as evidenced by her doubles prowess. Even though her default style is ultra-aggressive, Garcia is an underrated athlete and is capable of playing defense. So, what has kept her from the ultimate singles glory?
Similar to Badosa and Sakkari, Garcia has struggled with her consistency. Her aggressive style means that she can go off and make loads of errors. She has also admitted to not loving some of the lofty expectations levied on her.
Garcia was the best player on tour at the end of last year, but her results this year have not been as fruitful. Should Garcia hit a purple patch, she can blow anyone off the court. If she can balance the expectations and keep her errors down, Garcia certainly could win a singles major.
Likelihood to win a major: Still possible
Top 10 Countdown:
10. Paula Badosa
8. Coco Gauff
6. Madison Keys
5. Caroline Garcia
dark. Next. Jimmy Arias has some odd views on Swiatek and Kyrgios