Intro:

Defending singles champions Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams helped to conduct the draw for the 2014 French Open on Friday

Script:

If Rafael Nadel doesn't win a record-extending ninth French Open title he may want to have a quiet word with Serena Williams

The men's and women's number ones were in attendance as they helped make the draw for Roland Garros with Nadal making the women's draw and Serena making the men's.

Nadal was drawn against America's Robby Ginepri in the first round but it's the latter rounds that may cause him concern.
Nadal could face Nicolas Almagro in the fourth round, then David Ferrer in the quarter-finals. Two men that have beaten him on clay.

Ferrer, who lost to Nadal in the 2013 final at Roland Garros, upset him in the Monte Carlo quarter-finals last month and Almagro ended Nadal's 41-match winning streak in Barcelona by beating him in the last eight there a week later.

Despite the bad draw, Nadal was more than happy to praise Serena.

SOUNDBITE (English)

"Well, just congratulate Serena for everything. For me it's a great inspiration of an unbelievable long career... she's still number one and she's able to keep competing at his (her) best. So, well done and all the best for the tournament."

SUPER CAPTION: Rafael Nadal, defending French Open men's champion

As for Serena, she could face her sister Venus in the third round before taking on Maria Sharapova in the quarter finals which would be a rematch of last year's final. She too had praise for Rafa.

SOUNDBITE (English)

"I think he's (Nadal) amazing on the clay. I wish I could play like him more often. I'm so inspired, I watch him all the time, I try to have his energy on the court... so yeah, that's what I would like to say today."

SUPER CAPTION: Serena Williams, defending French Open women's champion:

The French Open gets underway on Sunday.