French Open 2009 Preview

Rafael Nadal

Serena Williams

Can Rafael Nadal win his fourth straight at Roland Garros? Who will step up now on the ladies side? We got the preview!

Men's Preview

Rafael Nadal and the French Open go together like peaches and cream or burgers and fries. Nadal has completely dominated the event winning the last four men's singles at Roland Garros. Since 2005, he has won 108 out of 110 matches on those famous red clay courts. He tied Bjorn Borg's record for most consecutive wins with four (1978-1981). Despite his record at the Open, Nadal will still have to get past top ranked Roger Federer. You know Federer has been circling this date on his calendar all year in hopes to earn his first French Open title and dethrone his biggest rival.

Another candidate to win the French Open is Novak Djokovic. The Serb-sensation has let it be known that he hopes to have a number one ranking by the end of the year, and a French Open win will definitely help him. On the other hand, Andy Roddick will miss this year's tournament due to an injury. Other names in the mix include David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco, Nikolay Davydenko and David Nalbandian.

Women's Preview

With the retirement of Justine Henin , the women's field has really opened up. It looks like it will be a mulit player race between Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Dinara Safina, Jelena Jankovic and Serena Williams. Sharapova had a strong showing at last year's tournament where she reached the semi-finals despite a shoulder injury. She also won the Australian Open back in January, 2007. Ivanovic figures to be a major player considering she reached the French Open finals a year ago and she won the Indian Wells Tournament recently. Serena Williams, on the other hand, has won the French Open in the past and is riding a little bit of a hot streak - she won 18 of her last 19 matches.