Sharapova through at tear-stained French Open

PARIS (AFP) - Maria Sharapova eased into the Roland Garros second round on Tuesday, but the Russian took second billing to grieving Virginie Razzano, who honoured her fiance’s dying wish to play the French Open.

Sharapova had little trouble disposing of Croatian veteran Mirjana Lucic 6-3, 6-0, as the former world number one began her campaign to clinch a first French Open title.

It took the seventh-seeded Russian just 56 minutes to seal victory as her 29-year-old opponent, playing the tournament for the first time in eight years, was overwhelmed, winning just four points in the second set.

However, Sharapova, the sport’s biggest draw card, was not headline news.

She had been preceded on Court Philippe Chatrier by French 28-year-old Razzano, playing in honour of her fiance and coach Stephane Vidal, who died from a brain tumour eight days ago.

“I am very emotional, I was here for Stephane,” said Razzano, who was defeated 6-3, 6-1 by Australian 24th seed Jarmila Gajdosova, whose own life has been in turmoil following the collapse of her marriage.

“It was really hard to come on the court, there was a lot of emotion and a lot of pain. That pain will always be there. I tried to make a tribute to Stephane. It was mission impossible but I gave my all.”

Razzano was wearing a black ribbon on her shirt as a mark of respect for Vidal, a gesture which has been adopted by all the French players in the women’s draw in Paris.

Slovakian-born Gajdosova had married Australian tour player Sam Groth in February 2009.

But since their split was announced three weeks ago, the 24-year-old has reverted to her maiden name.

“It’s only been three weeks, people talk and have their own opinions and reactions,” said Gajdosova, as she reflected on her marriage break-up.

“I am human after all and I can only try to cope as best I can. I have good people around me and they have helped. Time will heal and I’ll move forward.”

Gajdosova embraced Razzano at the net after the match.

Nadal digs deep to beat giant Isner

Reuters) - Champion Rafael Nadal was forced to pull out all the stops as he battled back to beat John Isner 6-4 6-7 6-7 6-2 6-4 in the French Open first round on Tuesday, his first five-set match at Roland Garros.

The Spanish world number one is gunning for his sixth title in seven years here but struggled to cope with the giant American, made famous by his 11-hour epic match against Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon last year. Isner almost went down in the record books again for a feat just as amazing having dominated the two tiebreaks but Nadal, who next meets compatriot Pablo Andujar, found another gear to pull away and quieten a restless crowd who sensed a huge shock.

“It was like a penalty shootout,” said Nadal, who has lost to rival Novak Djokovic in his last two finals on clay. “(Isner’s) serve is almost unstoppable at the moment. In the tiebreak you play under pressure all the time.”

No defending men’s champion at Roland Garros has lost in the first round and Nadal was last beaten in his first match in a tournament at the ATP Tour finals round robin in 2009. He also lost in his opening match at the 2008 Rome Masters, in the second round. The top seed looked to be cruising in the first set, taking it fairly comfortably before Isner kept his nerve to break in the second set and go into the tiebreak on a high.

The American raced into a 4-1 lead with Nadal failing to fire with his explosive forehand and giving up the tiebreak 7-2.

Murray, Li win on day of mixed emotions

PARIS,  (Reuters) - Andy Murray saw off a 29-year-old local who had only won one match on the main tour and China’s Li Na toiled through under cloudier skies in the French Open first round on Tuesday.

British fourth seed Murray progressed 6-4 6-1 6-3 but was broken twice by Eric Prodon, who had only made three previous appearances in a grand slam, all at Roland Garros.

Women’s sixth seed Li, who like Murray was runner-up in January’s Australian Open, began with an uninspiring 6-3 6-7 6-3 win over Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova with the early crowds also somewhat lacklustre after a busy and sunny Monday. In contrast, Maria Sharapova, wearing striking yellow, stormed past Mirjana Lucic 6-3 6-0 to continue her good form. Queues at the entrances to the famous venue in western Paris were lengthening as the sun warmed up and anticipation rose for champion Rafa Nadal’s first match against John Isner.