French Open 2013 Draw: When and Where to Catch Singles Bracket Release

The tennis season's second Grand Slam event has arrived, as Friday marks the release of the 2013 French Open main draw.

Reigning men's champion Rafael Nadal enters Roland Garros with a ton of confidence as always, but this time having won three consecutive clay-court tournaments dating back to last month.

On the women's side, it's all about American superstar Serena Williams. The 2002 French Open champion has won 24-straight matches overall, defeating defending French Open champion Maria Sharapova in two tournament finals over that stretch.

But while both Nadal and Williams currently look like the players to beat in their respective singles draw this summer, the draw could set them back a bit. 

Here we'll get you set with everything you need to know to catch Friday's 2013 French Open main draw release.

When: Friday, May 24 at 5:30 a.m. ET

Where: Roland Garros, Paris

Watch: Roland Garros TV

Link to Men's Singles Draw

Link to Women's Singles Draw

Men's Draw Missing Stars

Two of the top players in the men's game will sit out the French Open this summer, including current world No. 2 Andy Murray, who won the 2012 U.S. Open last September. 

Murray has been battling a lower back injury that forced him to retire early on at the Rome Masters last week. With a plethora of big tournaments upcoming, including Wimbledon a month from now, the 26-year-old Scotsman felt he would be best suited to withdraw (via ESPN.com):

"

It's a really tough decision and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice I am not fit to compete. Apologies to the organizers and thanks to everyone for the messages of support. Now my complete focus is on getting back on the court as soon as possible.

"

Murray lost in the quarterfinals here a year ago, one year after making a run all the way to the semifinals in 2011.

The only player outside of the Big Four to win a Slam since the 2005 French Open, Juan Martin del Potro was also forced to withdraw from this year's clay-court Slam.

Delpo, the 2009 U.S. Open champion had been battling injury and illness before ultimately deciding to skip Roland Garros and put forth a full effort to recover from a respiratory illness. Like Murray, Delpo lost in the quarterfinals at the French Open a year ago.

Will Anyone Stop Serena?

Serena Williams is playing arguably the best tennis of her career coming into the French Open this May. Despite getting set to turn 32 in September, and not having won this tournament in over a decades, Williams comes in as the overwhelming favorite on the women's side.

The women's world No. 1 is off to a 36-2 start this season and has already won five singles titles, including three on clay.

Even scarier, Williams has dropped just four sets total over her current 24-match winning streak.

Some feel that last year's champion, Maria Sharapova has a shot to knock off the scorching-hot American. But keep in mind that Williams has won 12-straight meetings with the Russian star and is 3-0 all-time against Sharapova on clay.

World No. 3 Victoria Azarenka would have her hands full in a potential clash with Williams as well. Vika is just 2-12 against Williams all time and 0-1 against her on clay.

While Serena Williams has some making up to do after suffering her first-ever, first-round loss in a Slam at Roland Garros last year, all indications are that she'll cruise through the women's draw in Paris this summer.

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