Federer fighting fit for French Open bid

World number one Roger Federer feels in perfect shape as he embarks on his latest bid to claim the only grand slam title to have so far eluded him.

The Swiss star's 10th French Open campaign will begin with a first-round match against American Sam Querrey, ranked 41 in the world.

Federer comes to Roland Garros on the back of a decent few months on the clay, having won in Estoril and reached the final in both Monte Carlo and Hamburg.

As ever, clay-court king Rafael Nadal, the reigning three-time champion, will be Federer's main danger but the 26-year-old feels in prime condition to snatch the title off his great rival.

'I think things are looking much better,' he said.

'It was tough at the beginning of the year but I have definitely bounced back these last few months.

'I'm feeling where I want to be shortly before a really important stretch of tournaments. That starts here in Paris, so I feel good about my chances.

'I'm moving so well, and I haven't any problems after playing a lot of matches.

'I know I can beat him (Nadal). All the chances are here for me to win it.'

Second seed Nadal opens up against an as-yet-unknown qualifier while third seed Novak Djokovic, the only player likely to threaten the big two in the men's draw, takes on Germany's Denis Gremelmayr first up.

Over in the women's draw, a vacant title is up for grabs following the retirement of champion and four-time winner Justine Henin.

The likes of top seed Maria Sharapova, Serbian duo Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic as well as 2002 winner Serena Williams, the fifth seed this year, should be main challengers.

Henin announced last week she was quitting the sport to make a 'new start', a decision which surprised Federer.

'I think it's quite sad,' said the Swiss. 'It's a pity for tennis when the very top player quits.

'I hope she has good reasons because it's an extreme decision, I believe.

'She said she almost succeeded in everything in her career but what I'm surprised about is her timing because it was so sudden, before the French Open which she was coming to as the major favourite.

'What worries me is the timing rather than the rest of it.'

The French Open begins on Sunday.