Rain seems to be the only factor capable of stalling Roger Federer as the Swiss star looks on the verge of making short work of Michael Russell in the first round of the French Open at Roland Garros.

Second seed Justine Henin-Hardenne shrugged off a 90-minute rain delay to open her US Open campaign with a straight-sets win.

Third seed and last year's runner-up Lleyton Hewitt will begin his quest for the Australian Open title with a first round match against Czech Robin Vik.