DEFENDING champion Serena Williams raced into the third round of the French Open along with Belgian fourth seed Justine Henin-Hardenne. However, Slovak ninth seed Daniela Hantuchova and former champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov headed for the exit.

French Open, Roland Garros, Paris

SERENA WILLIAMS got the successful defence of her French Open title off to the perfect start on the opening day as she streaked into the second round with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Barbara Rittner of Germany to be joined by rivals Amelie Mauresmo and Justine Henin-Hardenne.

The red clay of Roland Garros splattered the white shirt of Andre Agassi but the years refuse to cling to tennis’ version of Peter Pan.

Andre Agassi will finally begin his quest for a second French Open title on the third day of competition at Roland Garros today.

Britain's Tim Henman demonstrated a prowess on clay with a straight-sets victory over Galo Blanco in the French Open.

Tim Henman came from 1-4 down to take the opening set of his first-round clash with Galo Blanco, in the French Open.

Tim Henman will face clay court specialist Galo Blanco in the first round of the French Open next week.

Top seed Martina Hingis continued her quest to win the only grand slam to have been denied her with a 7-5 6-1 defeat of Australian Rachel McQuillan at the French Open.

French Open officials this afternoon fined ousted second seed Marat Safin £7,050 for failing to attend the mandatory press conference after his defeat by Fabrice Santoro.

Pete Sampras has crashed out of the French Open to Spanish clay court specialist Galo Blanco.