Intro:

Defending singles champions Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, and Swiss great Roger Federer spoke to reporters in Paris on Friday, two days before the start of the French Open.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (French)

++AUDIO AS INCOMING++

"I've been feeling really good again for the past three months. I feel I've really been able to work outside the court on my fitness again, because I had lost a lot of that fitness level last year with my back issues. I'm back at Roland Garros with a higher level of confidence this year compared to last, where I felt I needed a bit of luck to move forward. This year I feel it's more within my reach. It's a good thing, but this doesn't automatically guarantee a spot in the quarters or the semis."

SUPER CAPTION: Roger Federer, world number 4

SOUNDBITE (English)

"Roland Garros is probably the most special place in my career, so I really feel always special memories when I have the chance to be back here in this tournament. I'm going to try my best from the beginning, and then we'll see what is going on."

SUPER CAPTION: Rafael Nadal, defending French Open champion:

SOUNDBITE (French) (on the pressure of being title favourite once again).

"It's good for me but in fact it's a bit difficult. To be the favourite is not easy. But I only want to focus on the first match..."

SUPER CAPTION: Serena Williams, defending French Open champion