Maria Sharapova to begin French Open defence against Kaia Kanepi

Maria Sharapova has been handed a clash with Kaia Kanepi in the first round of this year's French Open.

The Russian has been tipped to make a strong defence of her title at Roland Garros, but she could be pushed in her opening match by an opponent who has reached as high as 15th in the WTA rankings.

World number one Serena Williams begins against a qualifier, while third seed Simona Halep starts her campaign against Evgeniya Rodina.

British number one Heather Watson will face Mathilde Johansson, with the winner of that match playing either Venus Williams or Sloane Stephens.