Britain's number one Andy Murray has been handed a favourable start at the French Open as he will take on a qualifier in the first round of the Grand Slam.
The world number two is heading into the clay-court tournament in decent form given that he reached the semi-finals and final of the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Masters respectively, and last week beat Novak Djokovic to win the Italian Open.
As well as being drawn against a qualifier in the first round, Murray's chances have been boosted by the withdrawal of Roger Federer, who will miss the tournament because of a back injury.
In addition, Murray has avoided Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in his half, meaning that he can only meet either one in the final at Roland Garros.
Murray's fellow Brits Kyle Edmund and Aljaz Bedene have also been handed qualifiers in the opening round, while on the women's side, Heather Watson will take on Nicole Gibbs, Johanna Konta will play Julia Goerges for the first time and Laura Robson will go up against Andrea Petkovic.
World number one Djokovic will face Lu Yen-Hsun in his opening match, while Nadal will take on Sam Groth as the Spaniard searches for his 10th French Open crown.
Defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka will play Lukas Rosol, whom he also plays later today in Geneva, while Serena Williams will begin the defence of her title against Magdalena Rybarikova.
The second Grand Slam of the year gets underway on Sunday.
Danielle Joynson
