Rafa Nadal and Maria Sharapova will attempt to retain their French Open singles titles crowns at Roland Garros, the second tennis Grand Slam of 2013.
The 2013 French Open at Roland Garros will take place from 26th May to 9th June, and the hosts have created this tremendous video preview to whet fans’ appetites ahead of the tournament.
Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova are the defending champions on men’s and women’s sides respectively, with their fortunes at the Parisian Grand Slam in stark contrast.
Whilst last year’s championship was Sharapova’s first ever victory at Roland Garros, Nadal’s record is preposterously good – and ominous for any contenders to his crown.
The Spaniard has won the French Open seven times in eight attempts, with his only defeat coming to Robin Soderling in 2009 when he was suffering with tendinitis in his knees.
Whilst that knee trouble has resurfaced recently and he has missed months of competition, he was still able to win at Indian Wells and reach the final of Monte Carlo.
His rivalry with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and David Ferrer ought to make gripping viewing. World number three Andy Murray may not yet be a title contender, but has shown impressive improvement in recent years on clay and will hope to match his quarter final run of 2012.
Watch the preview video below.
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