We begin with an on-going comeback story in tennis where China's Australian Open semi-finalist Zheng Jie outplayed her first round opponent Ekaterina By-chkova of Russia at the French Open on Tuesday.

The Chinese star was broken in the first game but rallied back in the 11th game. The 25th seed then took the first set by winning the following two games. But following an injury to Zheng's right thigh at the beginning of the second set the game was suspended while she received treatment. The two-time Grand Slam women's doubles champion shifted her tactics smoothly on the court, and she was tough enough to win the match two sets to love.

Zheng, now the world No. 24, said, "I strained my thigh a little. I competed until last Saturday before the French Open and played both singles and doubles events. My legs were really tight especially on the clay where you need to use more muscles in your legs."

Last year's beaten finalist Dinara Safina suffered a shock defeat and is out of the competition. The ninth seeded Russian was beaten 2-1 by Kimiko Date Krumm of Japan. The 39-year-old Japanese player is the second oldest woman to win a match at Roland Garros in the modern Era after Virginia Wade in 1985. But Safina is optimistic about her long-term prospects.

The world No. 9 player Safina said, "I am for sure I will not give up. You know, I will have to swallow this loss and keep on moving. I mean, there is nothing more than this, you know. I was in the worst situations, and I mean, that's life. After rain, always sun comes. I will do my best."

Four-time champion in the men's draw, Rafael Nadal is also through to the second round following a 3-0 win over Gianni Mina of France. The second-seeded Spaniard was beaten in the fourth round last year at Roland Garros by Robin Soderling while struggling with knee injuries.

Meanwhile, Australia's Lleyton Hewitt, who is seeded 28th in Paris, also made it safely through his first round match after beating Jeremy Chardy of France 3-0 for a place in round two.