Keothavong-Safina to take centre stage
Anne first up on Chatrier…
Anne Keothavong has been handed an early start at the French Open on Monday when she takes on top seed and world No.1 Dinara Safina.
The British No.1, who equalled her best ever world ranking of No.48 on Monday, will go up against last year’s runner-up in the first match on the main show court at Roland Garros at 11am local time – 10am British time.
“I don’t think I could’ve asked for a tougher first round match as she’s the in-form player at the moment and one of the favourites to win the French Open,” Keothavong said.
“Chartier is the French equivalent to Centre Court at Wimbledon so I’m really excited and a little nervous too if I’m honest.
“I managed to practice very early this morning on there to get a feel for it which hopefully will help prepare me a little better for tomorrow.
“It’s a big stadium but I’m not sure what the full capacity is, maybe 14,000, and there’s a lot more space around the court than the outside ones that I’ve only played on in the past!”
Keothavong and Safina kick-off a star-studded line up on Chatrier on day two of the Paris slam with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both in action later in the day.
Keothavong is one of three British women playing first round matches on Monday. Katie O’Brien will take on Belarussian Olga Govortsova while Mel South plays young Portuguese Michelle Larcher de Brito.
Keothavong is also playing doubles with German Kristina Barrois in Paris and the pair learned the identities of their first round opponents when the draw was made on Sunday.
The Anglo-German team will play 11th seeds Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Patty Schnyder.
Live action from Roland Garros will be shown from 10am British time on Monday on BBC Interactive and British Eurosport.
Monday order of play – Chatrier
11am start, local time
Dinara Safina V Anne Keothavong
Rafael Nadal V Marcos Daniel
Roger Federer V Alberto Martin
Pauline Parmentier V Marion Bartoli