French Open highlights the depth of American talent in the WTA

Four American women made it to the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, the most of any country represented in that round. American talent abounds with the likes of Madison Keys, Amanda Anisimova, Sloane Stephens, Sofia Kenin, and Danielle Collins.

Of the eight women vying for a chance to make the finals at Roland Garros, half of them came from the United States. The strong showing at the quarterfinals highlights the depth of incredible talent that abounds in spades out of the USTA.

Of the four, two are still left in the draw: Madison Keys and the youngest quarterfinalist, Amanda Anisimova, age 17. Sloane Stephens and Sofia Kenin lost their round of eight matches, but both players are formidable talents who will continue to dictate the terms in women’s tennis. Joining them is also the Australian Open semifinalist Danielle Collins, out in the second round of the French.

Here’s a look at the captivating WTA stars who are brilliantly keeping the flame burning for the United States.

Madison Keys clay title will give her confidence in the next round

World No. 14 Madison Keys dispatched Naomi Osaka’s ouster, Katerina Siniakova, easily in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, to book her quarterfinal spot at the French. Keys won her first clay title this year in Charleston and is vying to make the semifinal at Roland Garros for the second year in a row.

But first she must get through her next opponent, Ashleigh Barty, who is on a hot streak this year since winning at Miami. Still, Keys has the upper edge on clay and it should prove to be a tight match. Having made the U.S. Open semifinals last year and being a finalist the year before, the 26-year-old aggressive baseliner is seeking her first grand slam title.

Amanda Anisimova, the youngest still left in the draw

Amanda Anisimova’s run at Roland Garros has been nothing short of a sensation. She’s displayed a coolness under pressure beyond her years. The 17-year-old hasn’t dropped a set, including her victory over Aliona Bolsova that propelled her into the quarters, 6-3, and a bagel 6-0. She’s the youngest quarterfinalist on the women’s side in 13 years, and she possesses a ripping backhand, fearlessness, and attacking game.

Anisimova made her first WTA final last year, and won her first title this year — on clay. She’s impressed by making the quarters at Auckland and Round of 16 in Australia. She has the greatest hurtle of all ahead of her, defending champion Simona Halep. Currently ranked 51, she’s one of the biggest stars on the horizon.

Sloane Stephens, a U.S. Open winner

Last year’s French Open finalist, 26-year-old Sloane Stephens was defeated by a resilient Johanna Konta in their quarterfinal match, 6-1, 6-4. However, the 2017 U.S. Open winner will surely be one of the favorites for this year’s major at Flushing Meadows, if not sooner.

She overpowered former French Open winner Garbiñe Muguruza in their RG fourth round and will be carrying her momentum from clay season with her for the rest of the tennis year. In this year’s topsy-turvy WTA rankings, she’s gone down from a career-high of No. 3 to world No. 7, but expect last year’s WTA Finals runner-up to crack back into the top-five by year’s end.

Sofia Kenin played the match of her life against Serena Williams

Having just debuted into the Top 100 last year, Sofia Kenin has skyrocketed since, making the finals at Acapulco, and winning her first title in Hobart, Tasmania. At age 20, she made the second week of a grand slam for the first time, here at Roland Garros.

Considered a grinder, she was responsible for the shock early exit of Serena Williams, in straight sets, but ultimately succumbed to Ashleigh Barty in the Round of 16. Having cracked the Top 40 (currently No. 36), the young American’s star will continue to rise and she will be a factor once the U.S. Open rolls around.

Danielle Collins, the outlier

World No. 32 Danielle Collins burst onto the scene at last year’s Miami Open, taking out Venus Williams, and becoming the first qualifier to make the semifinals at that event. Her hard-fought match against Petra Kvitová in the Australia semis — losing in straight sets — pushed her into the Top 25 for the first time. She thrilled throughout the Melbourne fortnight.

Although her form has dipped since then, she managed to make the quarters in Charleston. However, it is likely she will start wreaking havoc once hard-court season rolls around again later this year. The 25-year-old double NCAA-singles winner, Collins is an excellent example of the college tennis experience.

With incredible talents such as these five ladies, the U.S. can expect continued success, even after the legendary Serena Williams retires.

The French Open continues through June 9, viewable on the Tennis Channel and NBC. The second half of the women’s quarterfinals will take place on Thursday, June 6.