Without Justine Henin in the draw due to her shock retirement earlier this week, this year’s French Open is now wide open. Maria Sharapova will take over as world No.1 in the rankings, but can she really be classed as a favourite for Roland Garros? No is the answer!

The Russian has been in sensational form during the early part of the season and her form on the hard courts has been second to none. Unfortunately for Sharapova, the clay surface is not her favourite and limited tournament success on the surface does not frighten her opponents as much as if they where playing her on grass or hard courts.

She showed in Rome last week that her play is hardly sparkling on the slow, red stuff. A three-set win over promising Dominika Cibulkova in the first round hardly inspired her while a second round tight affair with Danish rising star Caroline Wozniacki showed a few hints of form.

'I’m sure a lot of the girls will be thinking they have chances in Paris. The Williams sisters will be dangerous and, if fit, should pose problems'


But again she struggled against veteran Swiss player Patty Schnyder in the quarters. She just doesn't seem to have the killer punch on clay. Don't get me wrong; she is very good and would beat most opposition but I think Sharapova could be upset in Paris without getting near the final.

I’m sure a lot of the girls will be thinking they have chances in Paris. The Williams sisters will be dangerous and, if fit, should pose problems. Ana Ivanovic has struggled on the clay so far this year, but last season’s French Open finalist will have fond memories and a good understanding of what needs to be done to win.

Her compatriot, Jelena Jankovic, has been as consistent as ever and was due to defend her Italian Open title in Rome today (Sunday), oddly enough after a semi-final walkover when Sharapova had to withdraw at the last minute with a calf strain. Jankovic could be the one to watch at Roland Garros this year.

Jankovic will look to defend her Italian title against unseeded Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, who continued her surprising run by upsetting No. 6 seed Anna Chakvetadze of Russia 3-6 6-4 6-3 in the other semi-final. Cornet will be the big French hope for success in Paris.

And there are others who could also challenge Sharapova, including her team-mate Vera Zvonareva, who has reached five finals this season already and loves the clay in Paris, and Victoria Azarenka from Belarus, another 18-year-old danger. Like Cornet her favourite surface is clay and the youngster will be vying for at least a quarter-final place.

The draw for the women’s event will give us a better insight into the eventual outcome. There is usually a weaker half of the draw but, as with every tournament, a player has to beat who she comes up against and confidence is the key.

I feel that Sharapova could make the semi-finals again like she did last year, but will do well to challenge Jankovic and Zvonareva, who are my two picks for the tournament.