Rafael Nadal (ESP)

ATP Ranking: 1
Age: 27
Roland Garros win-loss record: 59-1
The Spaniard is ultimate “King of Roland Garros” having won a record eight times in the last nine years there. His supreme movement on clay and mental strength separates him from the rest of the field when it comes to the French Open, but he starts the tournament more vulnerable than in previous years.

Novak Djokovic (SRB)
ATP Ranking: 2
Age: 27
Roland Garros win-loss record: 36-9
This is the only Grand Slam that has eluded him so far and once again he has stated that the title in Paris is his main priority of the season. Although hard courts are his favourite surface, he has done well on clay in the past and was a runner-up here in 2012. Is one of the top favourites, especially after beating Nadal in Rome final.

Stan Wawrinka (SUI)
ATP Ranking: 3
Age: 29
Roland Garros win-loss record: 20-9
Has had dips in form since winning his maiden Grand Slam in Melbourne last January, but has also risen to the occasion when he had to, beating Roger Federer in the Monte Carlo final to win his first ATP Masters 1000 last month. Made the quarters in Paris last year. Has officially requested the ATP to refer to him as Stan. 

Serena Williams (USA)
ATP Ranking: 1
Age: 32
Roland Garros win-loss record: 46-10
The defending champion arrives to Paris as the hot favourite having just won Rome. Both times she’s won in Rome, in 2002 and 2013, she has gone on to win Roland Garros as well. Has unmatchable power on tour and takes her dominance to any surface. Struggled with a thigh injury recently that forced her to retire in Madrid. 

Maria Sharapova (RUS)
ATP Ranking: 8
Age: 27
Roland Garros win-loss record: 43-10
Has won two of the three major clay events leading up to the French Open – picking up trophies in Stuttgart and Madrid. Has transformed into an incredible clay court player and won at Roland Garros in 2012. Leads the chasing pack behind Williams when it comes to French Open contenders.

Li Na (CHN)
ATP Ranking: 2
Age: 32
Roland Garros win-loss record: 20-6
The 2011 champion is one of six former champions in the draw. Has picked up her second Grand Slam title in Australia last January and has made the quarters in Madrid and Rome leading up to Paris. Hasn’t made it past the fourth round in Paris since she won the tournament three years ago.