Play Begins on Historic Sunday at French Open

Play begins today at the French Open, which opens with its first Sunday start, showcasing world No. 1s Roger Federer and Amelie Mauresmo, both hoping to raise the trophy for the first time at Roland Garros.

Federer and Rafael Nadal are the favorites to reach the final, but expect the unexpected on the men's side where three unseeded players have reached the final over the last three years.

Former No. 1s Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt are both iffy after twisting their ankles last week.

On the women's side defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne remains the favorite even with little claycourt preparation due to injury and illness, while former No. 1 Martina Hingis enters with high hopes after winning the Rome title. Mauresmo will again confront the crushing expectations of the home crowd, while Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams enter with little match play due to injuries.

"I do not think I will be able to perform as well as I would like," said Sharapova, recovering from an ankle injury. "I have not played a tournament before coming here and I have not trained very much. I am hoping for a few miracles. I will take each day as it comes and see what happens."