Defending French Open champion Justine Henin-Hardenne made a successful if unspectacular return from illness yesterday, beating Sandrine Testud 6-4 6-4 in the first round of the claycourt grand slam.
The Belgian world number one shook off the after-effects of a viral infection to oust Testud in 87 minutes and gain a foothold in the draw.
"I'm not in the best shape I have been ... but I think it is enough," Henin-Hardenne said.
"I need a lot of rallies, I need to be in a good rhythm. I need to hit a lot of balls."
Former men's champion Carlos Moya was more convincing, the fifth seed beating the solid Dutchman John Van Lottum 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-2.
Moya won the title here in 1998 -- reaching world number one later in the year. He rates his prospects of adding to that lone grand slam crown here this year, saying his form tops that of six years ago.
Thirteenth-seeded Thai Paradorn Srichaphan also advanced in four sets, beating Czech Tomas Berdych 6-3 6-4 3-6 6-1.
Men's second seed Andy Roddick, third seed Guillermo Coria and sixth seed Andre Agassi were all in action later on day one.
Henin-Hardenne had not played since losing in the semifinals at Amelia Island at the beginning of April.
The Belgian will be acutely aware how fortunate she was that it had not been a hungry Russian awaiting her on center court, but rather the sentimental fans' favorite back on tour this year after the birth of a daughter in 2003.
That Henin-Hardenne has not played competitively for six weeks was all too evident from her hesitant tactics. However, that she is a class apart from the Frenchwoman was equally clear.
"It's not an easy situation to be playing here in Paris against Sandrine," the Belgian said. "Many times we have seen players having trouble in their first matches.
"But there were a couple of good rallies so I hope that will help me. I just need a little bit of time and some matches.
"I was nervous but I was sure that I was going to be nervous. You know I wasn't surprised when I woke up this morning and found myself nervous."
She had no real need to be. Testud looked as though she was on court merely to enjoy herself.
"It is a different life for me now playing tennis," she smiled.
"If I am here today it is because I enjoy playing tennis not for anything else."
Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan moved into the second round but was pushed hard by Czech teenager Tomas Berdych on the first day of the Roland Garros tournament.
The Asian number one won through 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in 2hr 15min to set up a possible meeting with Spain's Alex Corretja, the 1998 and 2001 runner-up, in the second round.
Corretja plays his opening match with Jan-Michael Gambill of the US later yesterday.
Despite getting off to a strong start, Paradorn, seeded 13, did not have it all his own way during the tie on Court 3 against his 78th-ranked opponent, who was making his French Open debut.
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