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Murray handed qualifier in French Open first round

Andy Murray can play Rafael Nadal in the last four © PA Photos

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Andy Murray has been handed a favourable draw ahead of next week's French Open.

Murray will take on qualifier Eric Prodon in the first round at Roland Garros, which begins on Sunday.

Last year the British No. 1 had to come through a gruelling five-setter with Richard Gasquet to reach round two, but he will anticipate an easier passage 12 months on. His opponent will be a Frenchman once again, but Prodon is not of the standing of Gasquet as he is ranked 118 in the world and has never been beyond the first round at Roland Garros in three previous attempts.

Should Murray advance to the last four, as he did at the Rome Masters before losing to eventual winner Novak Djokovic, his reward will be a clash with five-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal. To reach that stage, he faces the prospect of having to beat last year's semi-finalist Jurgen Melzer in the quarters.

Nadal kicks off his campaign against big-serving American John Isner, while third seed Roger Federer has been handed a tricky clash with Feliciano Lopez. Novak Djokovic, defending his unbeaten start to 2011, will begin against Thiemo de Bakker.

In the women's draw, Anne Keothavong will face world No. 101 Vesna Dolonts from Russia, while British No. 1 Elena Baltacha has drawn a qualifier. That means she could face compatriot Heather Watson, who won her final qualifier against Stefanie Voegele on Friday.

World number one Caroline Wozniacki begins her bid for a maiden grand slam title against Kimiko Date Krumm, while defending champion Francesca Schiavone meets Melanie Oudin. Rome Open winner Maria Sharapova kicks off against Mirjana Lucic.

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