CAROLINE WOZNIACKI (DEN)

World ranking: 1
Birthdate: July 11, 1990
Birthplace: Odense, Denmark
Residence: Monte Carlo
Height: 5'10" (1.77m)
Weight: 128 lbs (58 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned pro: 2005
Career singles titles: 15
Grand Slam singles titles: 0
Career prize money: $9,567,313
Best French Open result: Quarter final (2010)

The young Dane has consolidated her world number one ranking this year with tournament wins at Dubai, Indian Wells and Charleston but flopped again in the Grand Slams with a semi-final loss to Li Na in Australia. Understands that her game is too one-dimensional for many - based on long rallies and defence, but to date appears to be unable to add a new dimension.

KIM CLIJSTERS (BEL)

World ranking: 2
Birthdate: June 8, 1983
Birthplace: Bilzen, Belgium
Residence: Bree, Belgium
Height: 5'8 1/2" (1.74m)
Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned pro: 1997
Career Singles titles: 41
Grand Slam singles titles: 4 (2011 Australian Open, 2005, 2009 and 2010 US Opens)
Career prize money: $23,709,674
Best French Open result: Final (2001, 2003)

Looked likely to miss Roland Garros after damaging ankle ligaments at a cousin's wedding in April, but has decided to play despite not being 100 percent fit. Has won the last two Grand Slam titles in New York and Melbourne and would dearly love to add the French Open after losing in the final twice previously.

VICTORIA AZARENKA (BLR)

World ranking: 4
Birthdate: July 31, 1989
Birthplace: Minsk
Residence: Scottsdale, Arizona
Height: 5'10" (1.80m)
Weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned pro: 2003
Career Singles titles: 7
Grand Slam singles titles: 0
Career prize money: $6,861,543
Best French Open result: Quarter-final 2009

Many believe the powerful baseliner from Belarus to be ready to win a Grand Slam title and she is up to a career best fourth in the world rankings after tournament wins at Indian Wells and Marbella. But there remain question marks over her volatile temperament and she was forced to retire in her last tournament in Rome with a injury to her right elbow

FRANCESCA SCHIAVONE (ITA)

World ranking: 5
Birthdate: June 23, 1980
Birthplace: Milan
Residence: Milan
Height: 5'5 1/2" (1.66m)
Weight: 141 lbs (64 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned pro: 1998
Career Singles titles: 4
Grand Slam singles titles: 1 (2010 French Open)
Career prize money: $7,462,923
Best French Open result: Winner (2010)

The Italian veteran was a shock winner last year - only the second tournament win of her career using guile and tactical nous to frustrate and finally vanquish her bigger and stronger opponents. Has done litle this year although has maintained her top five ranking and will hope that she can rekindle the magic that brought her victory last year.

MARIA SHARAPOVA (RUS)

World ranking: 7
Birthdate: April 19, 1987
Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia
Residence: Bradenton, Florida
Height: 6'2" (1.88m)
Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned pro: 2001
Career Singles titles: 23
Grand Slam singles titles: 3 (2004 Wimbledon, 2006 US Open, 2008 Australian Open
Career prize money: £14,738,611
Best French Open result: Semi-final (2007)

Has struggled on clay throughout her career but won her first title on the surface in Rome last week and has clawed her way back up the world rankings to seventh. She says she will never be a natural on clay but believes that her big-hitting shots allied to the fact that for once she is injury-free could allow her to go deep into the tournament.

SAMANTHA STOSUR (AUS)

World ranking: 8
Birthdate: March 230, 1984
Birthplace: Brisbane, Australia
Residence: Golf Coast, Australia
Height: 5'8" (1.72m)
Weight: 143 lbs (65 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned pro: 1999
Career Singles titles: 2
Grand Slam singles titles: 0
Career prize money: $6,857,157
Best French Open result: Final (2010)

Has developed into a formidable player on clay using her big serve and heavy top-spin to destabilise her opponents. Reached the semi-finals in 2009 and lost in the final last year to Schiavone when she was favourite to take the title. Form has been patchy so far this year, but reached the final in Rome last week before losing to Sharapova.