Federer Has Best Draw of Roland Garros Contenders

The French Open is notoriously unpredictable, but having drawn no strong clay-courters in the earlier rounds, world number one Roger Federer shouldn't have too much to worry about until the semifinals, where he meets David Nalbandian. Nalbandian has given Federer more trouble than almost anyone, including beating him at the Tennis Masters Cup at the end of last season. When I say almost anyone, the very big exception is Rafael Nadal, who is even more likely than Federer to make the final from the opposite half of the draw. Nadal has defeated Federer on their last four meetings: in last year's final and three times so far this season.

On the women's side, Justine Henin-Hardenne, the defending champ, should be tough to beat, but Amelie Mauresmo, Martina Hingis, and several others have a reasonable chance. The French crowd won't be alone in hoping Mauresmo's beautiful backhand is in full flow, and Hingis's resurgence is particularly exciting for those of us who admire her exceptionally intelligent game. Hingis would score off the charts on any test on singles strategy.