PARIS -- There are probably four women who can realistically win this French Open. In order of probability, in the minds of analysts: Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep, Serena Williams and Petra Kvitova -- and perhaps not coincidentally, they are the WTA's four top-ranked players.
Kvitova, by consensus, is last on that list, but don't discount the chances of the 25-year-old from the Czech Republic. The No. 4 seed made the semifinals here three years ago, and recent results suggest she might be ready to win a third Grand Slam singles title. Kvitova scorched Williams earlier this month in straight sets in the Madrid semifinals, ending Serena's 27-match unbeaten streak. The last time Kvitova played Sharapova? It was a straight-sets victory at the 2014 WTA finals.
Oddly enough, beating Marina Erakovic of New Zealand on Tuesday was more of a challenge for Kvitova than either of those past showdowns against the two top-ranked players. It took Kvitova 2 hours, 25 minutes to dispatch Erakovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
After two-plus listless sets, Kvitova finally dialed in, breaking Erakovic's serve in the ninth game of the third set. A forehand winner brought out a fist pump and a guttural growl, and a dipping, backhand crosscourt winner (with an exquisite angle) gave Kvitova control of the match.
When Kvitova waved to the crowd and clapped her racket she looked more relieved than triumphant.
Before the tournament she was asked if winning the title in Madrid gave her confidence.
"If you're asking if I'm feeling as a favorite, I'm not feeling as a favorite," Kvitova said, smiling. "I lost in the third round here last year, I would ... be very happy if I can reach the third round and be in the second week for this year."
Forgive Kvitova if she's having a difficult time focusing; her Wimbledon title defense begins in just over a month. She got her grass shoes Monday but has yet to choose her rental house.
"I believe I can win, but I can't say that I'm believing to win Roland Garros this time," Kvitova said. "Of course, I'm not the person who is setting these big goals. I'm more [of a] person who [is] stepping one step ahead and playing match by match.
"That's what I'm going to do here."