Full Serbian contingent
2008 winner Ana Ivanovic had her
first practice on Thursday on court No1, while fellow Serbian Grand
Slam winner Novak Djokovic was out on Philippe Chatrier court late in
the afternoon. Scotland's Andy Murray, who recently overtook Djokovic
in the rankings to rise to No3 in the world, had a hit-out away from
the cameras on court No4, while French veteran Fabrice Santoro
practised twice – on centre court in the morning and No1 in the
afternoon. This is the 20th French Open for "The Magician" and also his
last, as he prepares for retirement. King of Clay Rafael Nadal has
still yet to be sighted in Paris, however…
Monfils still uncertain
Gaël
Monfils is still hopeful of overcoming the inflamed patella tendons
which have kept him off court for the entire European clay season. He
came through a light training session on Thursday afternoon on Suzanne
Lenglen court accompanied by his coach, Roger Rasheed. The world No11
was moving around very gingerly however, and has yet to decide whether
he will be able to defend the points he won here last year when
reaching the semi-final. He has asked the tournament organisers for the
latest possible start – next Tuesday, therefore – to give himself every
chance of being able to play.
