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Tennis: French Open begins today

Dunya News

Former champion Roger Federer looks to win a record seventh French Open title.

World number two Rafael Nadal headed to the French Open on Friday looking for a record seventh title, a feat accomplished by no one thus far.The six-times champion Nadal was given a smooth-looking path to the French Open final while world number one Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer looked set for a possible semi-final clash in the other half of the draw.There are other milestones up for grabs. Djokovic hopes to become the first man in 43 years to win the four major titles in a row and the Swiss Federer could snatch a record 17th grand-slam crown on the Paris clay.Djokovic believes the goal of a career grand-slam is spurring him on.Roger Federer believes Djokovic, if he can win the tournament, will have achieved a great deal. And he was confident of his own form.The Roger vs Rafa duel has turned into a three-way rivalry with Djokovic taking over as world number one. What now stands between Djokovic and greatness is the Spaniards dominance on clay.Others expected to put up a tough fight are Britains Andy Murray and Frances Jo-Wilfrid Tsonga.Tsonga, who will be the crowds favourite, is hoping to give the French something to cheer about.On the other hand, the race for the womens French Open title looks to be a close one with a number of players in good form ahead of the tournament.Speaking to journalists on Friday defending champion Li Na said she is up for the task again this year having picked up speed ahead of the Open.Li, who became the first player from an Asian nation to win a grand-slam tennis tournament when she beat Italian Francesca Schiavone in last years final in Paris, failed to win more than two matches in a row for the rest of the season.She has, however, turned around the situation this year, reaching the final in the Rome claycourt tournament earlier this month, losing against Maria Sharapova in three sets.Sharapova, who occupied the world number one spot for the last time in 2007, dropped to 126th in May 2009 seven months after undergoing shoulder surgery to repair a torn muscle.But she seemed confident ahead of the tournament on clay, having improved on the surface, and is looking to pick up a maiden title.Thirteen-times grand slam champion Williams, who like Sharapova has endured more than her fair share of injuries over the years, has enjoyed an encouraging year so far and recently went on a 17-match winning streak, including the Madrid title.Williams, who a year ago was still absent from the Tour after a career-threatening foot injury and health problems, is back up to number five in the world and targeting a second French Open crown, 10 years after her first.Of the new generation, Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, also world number one, has already proved herself worthy of the top ranking, both with her play and the mental fortitude and is ready for the challenge at the French Open.
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