Some big names are missing, but no shortage of storylines

Nadal's magic run leads the subplots at Roland Garros

PARIS - Tournament organizers are confident that the absence of Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova from the French Open will just be a footnote when the story of the season's second Grand Slam is told.

"The absence of these three stars does not weaken the tournament because Roland Garros remains an institution and the Holy Grail for a player," French tennis historian Jean-Christophe Piffau said on Tuesday.