Tennis: Johanna Konta’s ready to slam rivals, insists Chris Evert ahead of the French Open

Chris Evert believes the French Open can act as the perfect springboard for Johanna Konta to go on and win Wimbledon.

Konta has only twice made the main draw at Roland Garros and lost in the first round on both occasions - in 2015 and 2016. But seven-time French Open winner Evert believes the British No1 has the game to go well into the second week before pushing for overall glory at her subsequent home Grand Slam.

“She’s a completely different player again this year,” Evert told Standard Sport. “A lot has changed in her game since Roland Garros 12 months ago.

“Just look at her level of confidence after all those wins. I don’t see her winning this year’s French Open - although anything’s possible with how open the draw is - but it’s perfectly possible for her to go well into the second week. I wouldn’t be surprised at all.

“She’s gone to another level but I think she knows her game is better suited to the grass and hard courts.”

While Konta has made her mark at the Australian Open, reaching the semi-finals, and the US Open, with back-to-back fourth-round appearances, she has struggled at the other two Slams. In her six Wimbledon singles matches, she has won just one but Evert believes the 26-year-old has the weapons in her armoury to cause a surprise there.

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“She’s really got a great game for grass, so why not be in the mix for winning Wimbledon,” added Evert. “She’s got a dominant serve, a lovely sliced backhand, good approach and she can volley. She’s got everything you need.”

The French Open begins on Sunday without Serena Williams, who is pregnant, and Maria Sharapova, who was denied a wild card by the event organisers following her 15-month doping ban. In the pair’s absence, Evert, who will be commentating at the event for Eurosport, said she could pick “one of 26 players” to win the singles.