Andrea Petkovic became the first German woman with a top 20 ranking since Anna-Lena Groenfeld made it in 2007.
After reaching the quarterfinals in Stuttgart, Petkovic climbed all the way to the No. 15 spot. One year ago the German was ranked No. 50.
After reaching the final eight at the Australian Open, Petkovic has remained steadily in the tennis spotlight.
After defeating Maria Sharapova in the fourth round of this year's Australian Open and World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open, Petkovic has definitely convinced her opponents that she is a legitimate force to be reckoned with on the ladies tour.
Using deep penetrating groundstrokes and employing patience, waiting for her moments, Petkovic's game seems well-suited to clay.
Expect her to do well on the red clay in Paris. She may be the best dark horse in either draw.
If I know anything about tennis, I know that deep, penetrating groundstrokes are utterly critical. Utterly.
