Federer survives early scare to reach 2nd round	Federer, Sharapova survive scare to reach French Open 2nd round	Federer blasts organizers for making him play on 1st day

    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)