Will it be one of the ‘Big Four’? Or, perhaps, a former champion hungry to reclaim her crown after her absence in Tokyo 2020? A number of fascinating storylines could unfold in women’s singles at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Here’s a glimpse at the fortunes of five standout women’s singles contenders this season:

An Se Young (Korea)

Born: 2002, Style: Right, steady

The Korean has been the outstanding women’s singles player over the last couple of seasons. With 10 titles from 13 finals in 2023, An was nearly unstoppable before a right knee injury slowed her down. Nevertheless, she has battled on, and this season has won three titles – including the French Open at the Olympic venue — from four finals.

Chen Yu Fei (China)

Born: 1998, Style: Right, steady

Following her Olympic victory at Tokyo 2020, Chen struggled to keep her motivation, but rediscovered her hunger last year and is one of the few players capable of beating An Se Young. Has had an excellent season with four finals, highlighted by a morale-boosting victory over An for the Indonesia Open title.

Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei)

Born: 1994, Style: Right, attack

The Chinese Taipei wizard held her form through the early season, winning the India Open after finishing runner-up in Malaysia, but a knee injury caused her to miss a series of tournaments in the run-up to the Olympics. Having announced that this would be her last season, can she sign off on a golden high after falling agonisingly short in Tokyo?

Carolina Marin (Spain)

Born: 1993, Style: Left, attack

For sheer toughness of spirit, there can be few to rival Carolina Marin. The Spaniard could not defend her Rio Olympics gold in Tokyo, but has come back strong after two knee surgeries. With three back-to-back titles this season — All England, Swiss and European Championships — Marin has promised to be at an even higher level for Paris.

Akane Yamaguchi (Japan)

Born: 1997, Style: Right, attack

The two-time world champion had an injury-afflicted season, but did produce breath-taking displays. She made back-to-back finals in France and England; her semifinal win over An Se Young at the All England showed the extremes to which both were willing to push.

Also Read:
Form Guide: Men’s Doubles Frontrunners
Form Guide: Women’s Doubles Frontrunners
Form Guide: Mixed Doubles Frontrunners