Henin-Hardenne draws first blood

Justine Henin-Hardenne outclassed Mary Pierce of France in a battle of former champions in the opening set of the French Open final under overcast skies at Roland Garros.

Henin-Hardenne, the favourite, took the first set 6-1 over Frenchwoman Pierce who was born in Montreal, Canada, and famously won the event in 2000.

Pierce was not able to unsettle the 2003 champion from Belgium, who broke in the third game with a forehand winner.

Henin-Hardenne remained solid while Pierce kept making unforced errors – 10 in all.

The Belgian took advantage by firing another winning forehand to take a comfortable 4-1 lead.

Pierce then double-faulted on set point to give Henin-Hardenne the first set in less than 30 minutes.