Cornet blown away by Venus

Venus Williams joined her sister Serena in the second round of the French Open following a straight-sets win over Alize Cornet on a rain-affected second day at Roland Garros.

Early drizzle meant the American, seeded 26, had to wait three hours before finally beginning her match on the Philippe Chatrier court.

Once under way, the 2002 runner-up – a five-time grand-slam winner – had too much for her 17-year-old opponent and prevailed 6-4 6-3.

Younger sister Serena beat Tsvetana Pironkova 5-7 6-1 6-1 on Sunday to advance through to the second round. Reigning champion Justine Henin also won on the opening day.

Elsewhere, Frenchwoman Severine Bremond became the first seed to be knocked out of the tournament.

The 31st seed was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Michaella Krajicek, of the Netherlands.

The rain has already accounted for matches involving fourth-seed Jelena Jankovic and sixth-seed Nicole Vaidisova.

They were scheduled to be last on Philippe Chatrier and Court 1 respectively, but organisers have cancelled the final match on each court.

Immediately after Venus Williams’ game had finished, the rain came lashing down again, and there could be another major delay to play.