Serena strong at the start
In 30 appearances in Grand Slams, Serena Williams has never lost in the first round. "Touch wood that record continues," commented the American former champion after defeating Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova yesterday. “It might happen one day, but I’m really proud of that record." The number eight seed’s earliest defeat in a Grand Slam came in her very first event, the Australian Open back in 1998.
Santoro and Knowles seeking new partners
Fabrice Santoro will be playing alongside Nenad Zimonjic at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but then he will be left to find a new partner. The Serbian announced in Rome that he would be joining forces with another doubles specialist, Daniel Nestor. Mark Knowles is another loser in this rearrangement as he and Nestor currently lie 4th in the ATP Doubles Race. "Daniel has dropped me," confirmed a visibly disappointed Knowles.
French sports stars cheer on their favourites
France’s leading golfer Raphael Jacquelin, a recent winner at the China Open, was here today to support his good friend Arnaud Clement. World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu was also at Roland Garros, watching Roger Federer ease his way into the tournament. World 400m hurdles champion back in 1997, Stephane Diagana was enjoying the spectacle too.
