Mary Pierce is hoping to make a mark at this year's French Open, despite only being seeded 21st for the tournament.

Pierce has slipped down the rankings since her 2000 triumph at Roland Garros, but remains hugely popular with the home crowd.

And the feeling is clearly mutual for Pierce, who will be making her fifteenth appearance on the Paris clay.

Pierce, however, says she never feels more at home than on the red clay of Paris, where she will be making her fifteenth appearance.

"Roland Garros is one of my favourite tournaments, if not my favourite, for special reasons - having family, friends and fans here, who are amazing, who cheer for me. Clay is my favourite surface, so, definitely, the centre court at Roland Garros is my favourite court to play on," said Pierce.

Pierce faces unseeded Russian Vera Douchevina in the first round, and says she feels ready for the challenge ahead.

"I'm feeling very good, looking forward to the tournament this year. It's a very strong tournament, it's very open as well, and I'm just going to take it day by day, and match by match, like I did it in the past," added Pierce.