The feisty French occupy nine places in the top 100 in women's tennis. Although Russia is seen as the country which dominates the game, the French have plans to take over. Amelie Mauresmo may have had a disappointing season, but that hasn't put off the other French stars, like surprise Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli. Here we will see what the French have offered in recent years.

The French way:
The fantastic French have served up great players in the past, like Suzanne Lenglen, who won 31 Grand Slam titles. They have manufactured great players on both the men's and women's circuits. As a country they have won Fed Cup twice, and still continue to give it their all every year. The environment the French create for their players is fascinating. The superb facilities of Roland Garros continue to give birth to the next generation of French superstars.

Mesmerising Mauresmo leads the way:
Coming off 2006 with two Grand Slam titles isn't an easy act to follow. Amelie Mauresmo has showed some promising play this year, but overall it has been a disappointing season. She has picked up a title in Antwerp and runner-up titles in Dubai, Strasbourg and Eastbourne. The former world No 1 is firmly placed at No 7 in the rankings. Her Grand Slam results have been hit badly, the Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova and Nicole Vaidisova have stopped France's women from advancing to the quarterfinals of any Grand Slam this year.

'If France keep producing great players we could see tight competition between the two countries (France and Russia) in the future'


She also led her French team to the semi-finals of Fed Cup, but fell to defending champions Italy in the fifth rubber. Also known for her nervous disposition, Amelie choked once again at Roland Garros against young gun Lucie Safarova in the round of 32. Amelie is adored in France, the ever continuing chant of Amelie's name sizzles through the notorious Philippe Chatrier stadium every year. But can she get here act together again?  

Maid Marion breaks through: Marion Bartoli has had her best season yet. The world No.12 has set her own spark in France. Her awesome two-handed play, reminds us of the memorable Monica Seles. After a great season last year, Marion couldn't continue her great form coming into 2007 but she started to make a name for herself during the clay court season with a final appearance in Prague.

But she didn't stop there, reaching the semis in Strasbourg, Birmingham and Eastbourne, the fourth round at Roland Garros and a runner-up finish at Wimbledon. Marion has beaten Justine Henin, Elena Dementieva, Jelena Jankovic and Daniela Hantuchova. Her dream run at Wimbledon was ended by Venus Williams, but she was propelled to No 11.

Tatiana Golovin scores first title:
Teenager Tatiana Golovin is also making some noise this year. She is at No 19 in the rankings. After three failed attempts, Tatiana finally seized her first title on the green clay of Amelia Island, her title run including  superb wins over Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Nadia Petrova. The teenage sensation has also committed to Fed Cup where she reached the semis. Tennis legend Mats Wilander is coaching Tatiana in the US and he could unlock more potential. An elegant forehand and well composed backhand, gives Tatiana the ability and potential to swing with the best.

Other French stars:
Emilie Loit is the French No 4. She has three singles titles and 16 doubles titles to her name and is the current world No 37. Nathalie Dechy has one singles title and three doubles titles to her name. The former No 11 is placed at 56. Aravane Rezai, ranked 60 in the world has shown great potential this year as she beat Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams to reach the final in Istanbul. Virginie Razzano, Severine Bremond, Camille Pin and the promising teenager Alize Cornet all continue to pose threats in the women's circuit.

Competition:
Russia are without a doubt the best country and they have the most top women players, but France would be one of the favourites to dethrone them. If France keep producing great players we could see tight competition between the two countries in the future. For now France continues its ongoing journey of making its mark in the tennis world.