Who are you? Guide to French Open stars’ opponents in first round

Maria Sharapova, left, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams and Roger Federer are among the players who should not be challenged during the first round of the French Open this week. AFP PHOTO / KENZO TRIBOUILLShow more

Paris // This is a guide to the first round opponents of leading star players at the French Open which gets underway at Roland Garros on Sunday. All matches will start at 1pm (UAE).

MEN

No 1 Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Jarko Nieminen (FIN)

Head-to-head Djokovic leads 4-1

The 33-year-old Nieminen is ranked No 86 in the world having been as high as 13 in 2006. The left-hander has won two titles in his career -- both on hard courts, in Auckland in 2006 and Sydney two years ago. A three-time quarter-finalist at the majors, Nieminen famously knocked Andre Agassi out of the French Open in the first round in 2005.

No 2 Roger Federer (SUI) v Alejandro Falla (COL)

Head-to-head Federer leads 7-0

Left-handed Colombian Falla, another lucky loser, is ranked 111 in the world having been as high as 48 just two years ago. Federer will be aware of Falla’s potential -- in 2010, he had to come from two sets down to beat the Colombian in the first round at Wimbledon. Falla’s best run at a major was a fourth round slot in Paris in 2011.

No 3 Andy Murray (GBR) v Facundo Arguello (ARG)

Head-to-head First meeting

Arguello reached the main draw as a lucky loser having lost in the final round of qualifying. Ranked 139 with a career high of 104. The 22-year-old from Cordoba is a pupil of 2004 Roland Garros champion and former world number five Gaston Gaudio. Made his Grand Slam debut in Paris last year where he lost in the first round.

No 6 Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Quentin Halys (FRA)

Head-to-head First meeting

Halys is just 18 and playing on a wildcard on his main draw debut at a Grand Slam. The world number 304 tried and failed to qualify for the French Open in 2013 and 2014.

WOMEN

No 1 Serena Williams (USA) v Andrea Hlavackova (CZE)

Head-to-head Williams leads 1-0

Part-time law student Hlavackova is 191 in the singles rankings but has won 15 doubles titles in her career. The 29-year-old has never got beyond the first round in Paris. The last time she played Williams was at the 2012 US Open where she lost 6-0, 6-0 in the fourth round.

No 2 Maria Sharapova (RUS) v Kaia Kanepi (EST)

Head-to-head Sharapova leads 4-0

Experienced campaigner Kanepi is ranked 49 having been 15 in 2012 but whose career has been dogged by Achilles injuries. Made the quarter-finals in Paris in 2012 where she lost to Sharapova and 2008, losing to Svetlana Kuznetsova. Has also made the last-eight at Wimbledon and US Open.

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