While Andy Roddick was unceremoniously bounced from the French Open in the first round, there were no major upsets on the women’s side. Despite a struggle at the start, Venus Williams advanced with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 defeat of Paula Ormaechea. This was Venus’s first appearance in a major since announcing that she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder that causes fatigue. Her Argentine opponent was ripping the ball in the third set, but Williams hung on to close it out and set up a likely match against the recent Sony Ericsson Open winner Aga Radwanska.
French Open Results: Venus Williams Avoids Upset To Advance At Roland Garros
Samantha Stosur made quick work of Elena Baltacha, advancing with a 6-0, 6-4 win. It was an early start for Stosur with the first match on one of the main courts, but the defending US Open champion was in good form and avoided the upset. Starting the tournament on the other main court was Svetlana Kuznetsova and the Russian joined Stosur by cruising into the second round with a 6-1, 6-3 defeat of Mirjana Lucic.
Perhaps the most impressive women’s player during day one was Ana Ivanovic. The Serb won at Roland Garros in 2008 but has struggled in Paris since. She defeated Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino 6-1, 6-1 to advance on Sunday morning. Ivanovic had a strong forehand all day, and was full of energy and fist-pumps as she danced around the court in the early statement victory.
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