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The world’s top two tennis players will both be trying for the one Grand Slam title that has eluded them over the years when they pull out their racquets in Paris this weekend for the start of the French Open that goes through June 8. Roger Federer, ranked No. 1 for the men, and Maria Sharapova, ranked No. 1 for the women, are both competing for French Open titles. Both have titles in the other Grand Slam events—the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open—and both badly want to win the title at Roland Garros to complete their ensemble. It won’t be a stroll in the park for either one, as there are plenty of strong challengers for both men and women. For the men, one can’t overlook perennial favorite Rafael Nadal. Also pushing hard for the title are No. 3 Novak Djokovic, the fun-loving Serbian, and No. 4 Nikolay Davydanko, the hard-hitting Russian. On the women’s side of the draw, Sharapova will need to watch out for a pair of Serbians. Maria had little trouble with No. 2 ranked Ana Ivanovic in the Australian Open final a couple months ago, but this time the match will be played on clay, a much slower surface and Sharapova’s power game will be somewhat neutralized. Anything can happen. And don’t discount Ana’s compatriot Jelena Jankovic, who is ranked No. 3. Jelena has never won a Grand Slam event and I know that has to be eating away at her. And then of course there’s Serena Williams, ranked No. 5 and winner of eight Grand Slams, including the French Open in 2002. There will be a lot of action and it all starts on June 8.

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