Penpics of the favourites for the women's singles title at the French Open which gets under way at Roland Garros on Monday (WTA world rankings in brackets):
JUSTINE HENIN-HARDENNE (BEL - 12)
Has made a spectacular comeback from injury this year and won her last three tournaments all on clay. Has won at Roland Garros in dominating fashion before in 2003 and the French speaker will enjoy big crowd support. But there are still concerns over her durability.
AMELIE MAURESMO (FRA - 3)
For the sixth straight year the talented but nervy Mauresmo will shoulder home hopes and though she won in Rome last weekend there are few signs that she has shed her unpredictability. Has called in the service of the charismatic Yannick Noah in a bid to give her the proper mindset.
MARIA SHARAPOVA (RUS - 2)
Will likely come to Paris as the new world No 1 and 18-year-old looks set to dominate women's tennis over the next few years. But has yet to learn the secrets of patient claycourt play preferring instead to blast her way past her opponents as quickly as possible.
PATTY SCHNYDER (SUI - 10)
Has developed a crafty and effective game on clay to compensate for her lack of power and she drew the rewards by reaching the final of last week's Rome Masters. Has good experience and fitness, but can still be overpowered by the big hitters.
KIM CLIJSTERS (BEL - 17)
Had a tremendous run in the early US tournaments this year after finally returning to action following a nagging wrist injury that kept her on the sidelines for most of 2004. Was hitting top form when she badly twisted her right knee in Berlin and is doubtful for Roland Garros.
LINDSAY DAVENPORT (USA - 1)
Has played very little this year and gave the entre claycourt season a miss prior to Roland Garros. Never at ease on clay, she will likely try to shorten the exchanges with her powerful serve and forehand and let her experience do the rest. Main priorities will be Wimbledon and the US Open in what could be her last year on the circuit.
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