The action begins at the Kroger St. Jude and Cellular South Cup on Monday with some of the top men's and women's seeds taking to Stadium Court on the opening day.

Rising American WTA Tour star Ashley Harkleroad and US Davis Cup hero Robby Ginepri both begin their title campaigns, while former men's champion Tommy Haas continues his comeback from a lengthy injury lay-off in the night session.

Harkleroad, the No. 5 seed in the women's draw, is first up on Stadium Court as she takes on Croatia's Silvija Talaja in the first round.

Harkleroad, the 18-year-old World No. 46 from Wesley Chapel, Florida, will be looking to capture her first WTA Tour title this week. They will be followed onto court by an all-American clash between sixth seed Amy Frazier and qualifier Angela Haynes.

Davis Cup Hero

In the men's draw, fourth seed Ginepri - who recently came back from two sets down to defeat Jurgen Melzer on his Davis Cup debut against Austria - faces Frenchman Cyril Saulnier in the first round. The 21-year-old, who reached the fourth round at the Australian Open last month, advanced to the quarterfinals in Memphis last year before losing to Andy Roddick.

Elsewhere on day one, Swedish star Thomas Enqvist returns to Memphis for the first time since 1998 when he takes on fifth seeded American Vincent Spadea. Enqvist is a four-time quarterfinalist in Memphis between 1994-98, while Spadea lost in the semifinals here last year to eventual champion Taylor Dent.

Memphis also welcomes back 1999 winner Tommy Haas on Monday night, as the 25-year-old German faces countryman Alexander Popp. Haas, who missed the entire 2003 season after twice undergoing shoulder surgery, made his return to ATP action last week in San Jose (l. to Spadea in the first round). Haas, who received a wild card this year, has a 13-9 record in Memphis, while Popp, playing in Memphis for the second time, is 1-1. This will be their first ever meeting.

In the doubles, Mark Knowles and Daniel Nestor begin the defense of their title against Nicolas Kiefer and Wesley Moodie. Knowles and Nestor defeated Bob and Mike Bryan to win the title 12 months ago.