David Ferrer is in second round action early on Wednesday against wildcard Nicolas Mahut.
Ferrer is another member of the top five with a surprisingly dismal record in Paris. The world number five has only reached the quarter-finals twice in his career (2005 and 2007) which is a poor showing compared to his results at some of the other indoor events.
This could be because the surface in Paris is traditionally lightning fast, favouring the big servers and serve-volleyers. However this year the organisers have taken the surprising decision to slow the courts down, a move which Ferrer will have welcomed.
However it doesn't aid the chances of the home players who all tend to be flamboyant shot-makers and Mahut is no exception. However going by the results so far this week it doesn't seem to have had any adverse effects with all the wildcards performing superbly.
Mahut made a blistering start on Monday, outplaying Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2, 6-3, winning 17 of the final 20 points to stun the former world number one.
With his huge serve, rasping forehand and accurate volleys, Mahut is always a dangerous opponent indoors and he likes the big occasion. He'll be hoping to catch Ferrer cold on Wednesday morning and he'll have to hope that the Spaniard's returning game is slightly off key as usually Ferrer loves an onrushing target.
Prediction: Ferrer in three.
