DOB:12.2.1980 Nationality:Spanish World Ranking:11 Previous French Open results: 2001 ::semi-final 2000 ::semi-final 1999 ::n/a 1998 ::n/a

Ferrero's form had been indifferent for the early part of 2002 but he recaptured his best as he raced away to victory in Monte Carlo back in March.

His recent first-round defeats in Rome and Hamburg and a leg injury mean doubts remain over whether he is ready to make the step-up to Grand Slam winning form.

Nonetheless, he has reached the last four in the last two years and has been tipped by many to be a future world number one.

His best season to date was last year when he won four events - in Dubai, Estoril, Barcelona and Rome.