3 minute read

Australians Astra Sharma and Chris O'Connell have both been awarded wildcard entries for this month's French Open.

Australian pair Astra Sharma and Chris O'Connell have both been awarded main draw wildcards for the French Open.

Sharma, 25, will be competing in her third straight French Open after reaching the second round in 2020 after a victory over world No.58 Anna Blinkova in the opening round.

The West Australian will be competing at Roland Garros as Australia's third highest-ranked woman after improving her ranking 49 places to world No.116 with a maiden career singles title in Charleston last month.

"I've been playing pretty well and am looking forward to doing my best with this opportunity," Sharma said.

"In terms of competing, I've always loved playing at the French. Paris is a good city for me in terms of conditions and surface, so not trying to set too many expectations going in, just looking to do the most with what I've got."

World No.128 O'Connell will be making his first appearance at Roland Garros.

The 26-year-old has made four previous grand slam appearances and reached the second round at last year's US Open and this year's Australian Open.

"Being able to compete in my first Roland Garros main draw is a dream of mine," the Sydneysider said.

"For the past two months since Miami I have been in Split, Croatia working with Marinko Matosevic who is now coaching me, and also rehabbing an ankle injury.

"I didn't want to start playing again until I knew I was 100 per cent which I now am and have just arrived in Belgrade to play qualifying at the ATP 250 before heading to Paris."

The inclusion of Sharma and O'Connell means nine Australians will contest the main draw in Paris led by world No.1 and 2019 champion Ash Barty.

A further 12 Australians will compete in qualifying starting on May 24, before the main draw action begins on May 30.