French Open 2012: Top 10 Men's and Women's Players Set for Roland Garros

After the conclusion of the Masters 1000 of Miami later this month, the European clay court season takes the stage and sets the expectation for the most charming tennis event of the year. The French Open kicks off on May 27 in Paris.

On the men’s side there is the seemingly unbeatable on clay and eternal defending champion Rafael Nadal against the most dominant player in the last 13 months.

Novak Djokovic made it clear how badly he wants this one, which is now the only major he hasn't won. Not to mention that it could also be a historic four consecutive major win for the Serbian.

On the women’s side we have the new world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, having a “Djokovic” like year and going on as the favorite. A healthy Kim Clijsters, Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova would be her main obstacles to overcome.

Let’s take an early preview of the top 10 men and women who could make a difference at the event considered by most as the toughest tennis tournament to win.

No. 10 Woman: Kim Clijsters

Kim should be ranked higher as favorite if it weren't for her recent history of injuries and lack of activity.

She deserves, however, to make the list and provided that she is healthy, she is a true candidate.

No. 10 Man: John Isner

It may come as a surprise that John Isner is in this list.

The truth of the matter, however, is that the big man feels comfortable on clay, contrary to what one might expect.

His tough five-set battle against Nadal last year at the French Open and his recent win over Federer on clay, in an away Davis Cup tie, definitely makes him deserving of being here. 

No. 9 Woman: Andrea Petcovic

Andrea Petkovic didn't play in the Australian Open in 2012 and has been struggling with injuries this year.

She is one of the recent rising stars of the game and has some promising years ahead of her. She has time to recover and get to Paris in her best physical shape and be ready to make a statement.

No. 9 Man: Nicolas Almagro

The underrated Spaniard is as tough as one can be on clay and built up a top-10 ranking based on his performances on this surface.

Almagro has a beautiful game, has been improving and is definitely one to watch at the French.

No. 8 Woman: Vera Zvonareva

Vera Zvonareva established herself as one of the top players in the world, becoming mentally stronger and learning how to deal better with adversities.

She has reached two major finals before—Wimbledon and the US Open in 2010—and is always a contender at any tournament. 

No. 8 Man: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Although clay is not his favorite surface, Tsonga is the only French player capable of doing anything meaningful in Paris.

He is getting stronger and better established as a top player, year after year. 

No. 7 Woman: Agnieszka Radwanska

The underrated and steady Agnieszka Radwanska has, on clay, her best opportunity to make a good run in a major.

She hasn't had an outstanding result yet in her career, but she is always reaching the later rounds and has kept herself as a steady top-10 player for quite a while.

No. 7 Man: Tomas Berdych

The hard-hitter from the Czech Republic doesn't feel as comfortable on clay as he feels on faster surfaces.

However, he is a true top-10 player and has a game that is suitable for any kind of court.

With a major final under his belt, he is capable of having a good result at the French Open.

No. 6 Woman: Li Na

Defending champion Li Na will not step on the courts of Roland Garros this year as a favorite.

Although she was not the favorite last year either and ended up capturing the title, this time she will not fly under the radar and will have to deal with the pressure of repeating her 2011 performance.

No. 6 Man: Juan Martin Del Potro

Del Potro is one of the best players in the world and the most likely to break into the top four soon.

Although clay is not his favorite surface, the big Argentine is capable of taking anyone out on a given day.

No. 5 Woman: Samantha Stosur

Contrary to what one might expect, being Australian and a former doubles specialist, Sam Stosur is perfectly comfortable on clay and has reached the final of the French Open in 2010.

She won the US Open in 2011 and is more ready than ever to take another title.

No. 5 Man: David Ferrer

Probably the toughest competitor on the tour, alongside Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer is always dangerous and has in Paris his best chances to go far in a major.

David Ferrer is the best example of an athlete doing what it takes to be the best he can be.

No. 4 Woman: Caroline Wozniacki

Without the pressure of being questioned about being No.1 in the world without having won a major, Caroline Wozniacki will be able to fly under the radar, which could help her a great deal.

Clay suits her game well but her refusal on getting real coaching might hurt her career. 

No. 4 Man: Andy Murray

Hiring Ivan Lendl as his full-time coach was the best move Andy could have done in his career.

He wants badly to win a major and does everything that takes to achieve that.

Roland Garros may not be his best chance but he is definitely a contender.

No. 3 Woman: Petra Kvitova

Petra Kvitova was expected to take over the No. 1 spot in the ranking after the Australian Open but let it slip.

Nevertheless she is one of the sensations of women's tennis this year and could make a statement in Paris.

No. 3 Man: Roger Federer

The faster balls used in Roland Garros helped Roger Federer last year and will surely help him this year again.

The Swiss is eager for a nice late run in his career and can never be left out of any conversation.

No. 2 Woman: Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is coming out strong after a few years of struggle with injuries.

She is one of the hardest workers and has an admirable professional conduct.

The French is her only missing major and this should work as a great motivational factor for her.

No. 2 Man: Novak Djokovic

Indisputably the best player in the world at the moment, Novak Djokovic still can't be considered the top candidate for the French Open title, despite his wins over Nadal in Madrid and Rome last year.

The Serbian could make history this year, however, as winning in Paris will mean a career Grand Slam and the fourth consecutive major won by him.

No. 1 Woman: Victoria Azarenka

Victoria Azarenka finally broke through this year, capturing the Australian Open.

Her flawless season so far will probably take her to Paris as the top favorite for the title. 

No. 1 Man: Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is seemingly unbeatable on clay and is the eternal defending champion in Roland Garros.

Arguably the best clay court player of all time, Rafa Nadal is likely to repeat the title one more time and put a stop to Novak Djokovic's major titles run.