BEIJING, May 30 -- The French Open started on
Sunday for the first time and nearly ended quickly for Maria Sharapova.
The former Wimbledon champion overcame a gimpy foot,
a 5-2 deficit in the third set and three match points to beat American Mashona
Washington 6-2, 5-7, 7-5.
The match was the first since April 1 for Sharapova,
who withdrew from two events leading up to Roland Garros because of a right
ankle injury. Her movement was clearly hampered, even after a trainer rewrapped
the ankle following the second set.
Neither Sharapova nor top-ranked Roger Federer was
thrilled with the early start. Federer lost his first two service games to fall
behind 3-0, then gradually found his form and beat qualifier Diego Hartfield
7-5, 7-6 (2), 6-2.
Beginning his bid for the only Grand Slam title he
has yet to win, Federer needed more than 2 1/2 hours to eliminate an Argentine
making his tour-level debut.
(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)
