The stifling heat of Athens awaits convalescing Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne when she makes her return to action in the Olympic tennis tournament after almost three months out due to illness.
The world number one and top seed opens her bid for gold against Czech Barbora Strycova on Sunday unsure of her health, having not played since a second-round loss at the French Open in May due to a debilitating virus.
"Immediately after the first match we will know whether Justine can manage to take a medal," said her coach Carlos Rodriguez.
"It is very important for her to start playing again."
With 22-year-old Henin-Hardenne's fitness uncertain the women's singles is wide open. Americans Serena Williams and Jennifer Capriati were late withdrawals due to injury and Henin-Hardenne's compatriot, world number five Kim Clijsters, is also missing.
Serena's older sister Venus, the defending Olympic champion who is seeded sixth, has displayed patchy form all year.
She will face a fierce challenge from the Russians, led by French Open champion Anastasia Myskina and 2000 silver medallist Elena Dementieva.
{{/usCountry}}She will face a fierce challenge from the Russians, led by French Open champion Anastasia Myskina and 2000 silver medallist Elena Dementieva.
{{/usCountry}}Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo, seeded two and the best female player still not to have won a grand slam, could well thwart the Russians if she can contain her nerves.
The men's singles is expected to be dominated by the world's two best players, Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick.
Federer, indisputably the world's top player, is determined to better his fourth-placed finish in Sydney.
FEDERER'S FOCUS
The 23-year-old Swiss describes staying in the athletes' village four years ago as his best experience in tennis -- he also met his girlfriend there -- and says Olympic gold is his main target for the year.
"This time I hope my girlfriend and I can celebrate our fourth anniversary with me getting a medal," he said last month.
Volatile Russian Marat Safin, in Athens despite his belief that tennis should not be part of the Olympics, spearheads Russian hopes with 2000 Olympic champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov not playing.
Powerful Argentine David Nalbandian will be a threat on the blue hardcourt at the Olympic Tennis Centre, together with Spanish third seed Carlos Moya and Briton Tim Henman, who won an Olympic silver in the doubles in 1996.
Australian Mark Philippoussis's Greek heritage means he will enjoy plenty of support from the home fans, though he could face Moya in round two.
The singles competitions both contain 64 players with the women's final on August 21 and the men's on August 22.
In the doubles all eyes will be on 47-year-old American Martina Navratilova and her partner Lisa Raymond. The Czech-born holder of 58 grand slam titles is seeking Olympic gold to crown a remarkable career.