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Mauresmo and Sharapova step into the spotlight
French fans will catch their first glimpse of Amelie Mauresmo on Wednesday when the home favourite begins her bid for a maiden French Open title.
French fans will catch their first glimpse of Amelie Mauresmo on Wednesday when the home favourite begins her bid for a maiden French Open title.
Mauresmo, the Wimbledon champion, and US Open winner Maria Sharapova have been kept waiting till day four to make their debuts after torrential rain wiped out most of the matches scheduled for the first two days of the tournament.
Mauresmo will face American Laura Granville and Sharapova will begin proceedings on centre court against another Frenchwoman, Emilie Loit.
Roland Garros has never been a happy hunting ground for fifth seed Mauresmo and she has already played down her chances after suffering appendicitis in March.
Roger Federer will be aiming to block out the crowd when he takes on France's Thierry Ascione.
Following the exits of men's third seed Andy Roddick and eighth seed James Blake in the opening round, Venus and Serena Williams have been handed the responsibility of keeping American interest alive.
Venus, seeded 26, will take on Ashley Harkleroad while Milagros Sequera will want to avoid being rolled over by Australian Open champion Serena.
