DOB: 10.9.1976 Nationality: Brazilian World Ranking: 7 Previous French Open results: 2001 :: winner 2000 :: winner 1999 :: quarter-final 1998 :: second round

As defending champion, Kuerten can never be discounted but his enforced break after hip surgery has left him desperately short of match fitness and sharpness.

However, his French Open record is unrivalled by his peers and has been dubbed the 'King of Clay'.

He won in 1997 and took the last two titles back to Brazil with him.

An emotional player, he relishes the opportunity to play in Paris and famously drew a heart in the clay after winning last year, in tribute to his fans in the French capital.