French Open 2012: Rafael Nadal tries to defend title against Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer; Serena Williams challenges on women’s side

Liz Clarke takes a look at the top three contenders, plus a player who could surprise, in the men’s and women’s fields at the French Open, which begins Sunday at Roland Garros in Paris.

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Novak Djokovic (Serbia)

BEST SHOT: The French is the one major to elude Djokovic, the world No. 1 who has been thwarted by Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in years past despite his exceptional court coverage and shot making. Djokovic, 25, has won the last three majors. French Open titles/Grand Slam titles: 0/5

Dan Istitene / GETTY IMAGES

Rafael Nadal (Spain)

BEST SHOT: Nadal, the No. 2 ranked player in the world, is knotted with Bjorn Borg at six French Open titles, but few would argue that Nadal, 25, isn't the greatest ever on clay, with his relentless offense and indefatigable defense. The defending champion has a 45-1 record at Roland Garros. French Open titles/Grand Slam titles: 6/10

NIR ELIAS / REUTERS

Roger Federer (Switzerland)

BEST SHOT: Federer, 30, was brilliant in ousting Novak Djokovic at the French in 2011, and he has won four titles this year. The game's most graceful mover, he'd love to pad his record 16 majors. French Open titles/Grand Slam titles: 1/16

Michel Euler / AP

Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic)

LONGER SHOT: At 6-5, Berdych, 26, boasts formidable power and a natural feel for clay. He reached the French semis and Wimbledon final last year but has yet to win a major. French Open titles/Grand Slam titles: 0/0

FILIPPO MONTEFORTE / AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)

BEST SHOT: The reigning Australian Open champion and top-ranked player in the world, Azarenka is famed and feared for the power of her shots and the decibels of her shrieks. Azarenka, 22, also moves well on clay. French Open titles/Grand Slam titles: 0/1

SUSANA VERA / REUTERS

Maria Sharapova (Russia)

BEST SHOT: The French is the only major to elude the 25-year old Sharapova, a two-time semifinalist. Awkward on clay, she out-slugged Li Na nonetheless for the title in Rome two weeks ago. French Open titles/Grand Slam titles: 0/3

GIAMPIERO SPOSITO / REUTERS

Serena Williams (U.S.)

BEST SHOT: It would be an impressive feat, winning a second French Open 10 years after claiming the title at age 20. But Williams, 30, is a remarkable 17-0 on clay this season. French Open titles/Grand Slam titles: 1/13

FILIPPO MONTEFORTE / AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Li Na (China)

LONGER SHOT: Li, 30, became a global sensation after becoming the first Asian player to win a major, defeating Maria Sharapova for the 2011 French Open title. Consistency is her challenge. French Open titles/Grand Slam titles: 1/1

GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP/GETTY IMAGES

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