for editors picks

Peter BodoSenior Writer

Maria Sharapova: Serena is 30 and has a bad back, for which seven consecutive matches on potentially damp, slow red clay is no remedy—so give the title to the vastly improved (on clay) Sharapova.

Rafael Nadal: He found his mojo this spring and will go into Roland Garros with an even greater weapon than his forehand—justified confidence.

Steve TignorSenior Writer

Serena Williams: She hasn't been to the semis here in nine years, and she'll have to survive a few scares, but Serena is still the best, and the Olympics have her motivated.

Rafael Nadal: He's rounded into form right on time, he's finally broken the Djokovic hex, and the one player ever to beat him in a three-out-of-five-set match on clay, Robin Soderling, just pulled out of the tournament.

Richard PagliaroSenior Editor

Serena Williams: She stormed through the clay season without losing a match, owns the most commanding serve in the women's game, and is poised to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her lone French Open title with another run.

Rafael Nadal: Rafa regained the No. 2 ranking by sweeping Novak Djokovic in Rome, arrives in Paris on a roll, and will be highly motivated to win a seventh Roland Garros title.

Ed McGroganOnline Editor

Victoria Azarenka: The most consistent women's pro from match to match might need a Serena stumble, but that’s happened many times before in Paris.

Rafael Nadal: Djokovic’s quest for Roland Garros recalls Nadal’s Wimbledon odyssey: It took Rafa a few final-round losses to his nemesis before winning it all.

Peter BodoSenior Writer

Jelena Jankovic: In a toss-up between former champ Svetlana Kuznetsova and the swooning Serb, I’m going to be a sucker once again and go with JJ.

John Isner: I’m not picking him just because, at No. 11, he’s the first available pick. I also like that big serve and his ability to end points quickly.

Steve TignorSenior Writer

Mona Barthel: This young and rising German can hit with anyone, and has given world No. 1 Azarenka all she can handle this year.

Fernando Verdasco: He beat Nadal two weeks ago in Madrid, and he's in Djokovic's quarter this time. He can slug with anyone, on any surface.

Richard PagliaroSenior Editor

Ana Ivanovic: The 2008 champion was a first-round casualty last year, but if she can tame her skittish serve and suspect nerve, her imposing forehand makes her a threat.

Richard Gasquet: He has failed to survive the second round in six of eight French Open appearances, but if the fragile Frenchman can keep his cool, he has the ability to reach the second week.

Ed McGroganOnline Editor

Francesca Schiavone: No one thought the 2010 champ could make another final last year, but her spin-heavy shots, veteran savvy, and exuberant demeanor are made for Roland Garros.

Gilles Simon: A mentally stronger selection than enigmatic countrymen Gasquet and Gael Monfils, and he’s beaten some major players in the past.