Safin progresses to French Open second round

Second-seed Marat Safin has booked a place in the French Open second round after struggling through his opener against wild card Michael Llodra today.

The Russian was made to fight all the way before eventually beating Llodra 6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-4. Safin, who withdrew from his final match in last week’s World Team Cup with a back injury, also received treatment for blisters on his right foot during the vital third set.