French Open: Day 1 Update

This is the 79th French Open, which will bring you the ultimate, the zenith of clay-court tennis. First match was between defending champion Ana Ivanovic and the unfeasibly blue-eyed Sara Errani from Italy. Ana Ivanovic's campaign to defend her title began with a stutter, but ended with a bang in a 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over Sara Errani in the tournament's opening match on Court Philip Chatrier.


Lleyton Hewitt survived 55-aces from Croatian Ivo Karlovic to reach the French Open second round last night with a 6-7 (1-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 6-3 win. Hewitt, now ranked 50 and who underwent hip surgery in August last year, will face Andrey Golubev of Kazakhstan, for a place in the third round where four-time champion Rafael Nadal would be a likely opponent.



Once Hewitt had levelled the tie at two sets apiece, Karlovic needed treatment for dehydration and Hewitt seized his opportunity, breaking to lead 2-1. He claimed the tie after almost four hours.

Verdasco is through in straight sets against Florent Seera. He’s such a good player, particularly on clay. And he always seems to be in Rafa’s quarter of the draw. David Ferrer’s three-set 6-2, 6-4 and 6-4. win over Portugal’s Federico Gil.