Rafael Nadal

"King of clay Rafael Nadal, his name engraved in the French Open after history matching the record of the legendary Björn Borg and the heroine of the 1920 Open, Suzanne Lenglen, with four titles each. Justine Henin is not here to defend his title because of its immediate withdrawal from professional tennis in May 2008. Ana Ivanovic, 2008 women's singles title for the first time, and the world look to see if they can defend their title at Roland Garros in 2009

Over the years, the Open de France has embodied the will of steel and the best tennis, Roland Garros and the stadium is more than apt location - is the name of the First World War fighter pilot who gave his life for King and country, and his bravery is commemorated and celebrated the red clay dust from hard courts each year.