Serena Williams wins Roland Garros opener, rusty first set against Irina-Camelia Begu
Serena Williams is a winner in the first scheduled night session in French Open history. She overcome two set points to beat Irina-Camelia Begu 7-6 (6) 6-2 under the lights in the first round.
Matches at last year's tournament in September stretched into the night on courts with new lights. But scheduled night play is new this year at Roland Garros.
Williams and Begu took the court in the twilight at 9pm, with the stadium stands empty. Fans are being admitted for day matches this year, but not for night sessions.
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Serena Williams plays a forehand against Irina-Camelia Begu at Roland Garros. Getty
Williams struggled with her first serve but moved well and played aggressively, charging forward when she had the chance. Facing a set point in the tiebreaker, she sprinted in and from the service line whacked a nervy swinging volley for a winner.
She has won the French Open three times, most recently in 2015, and at age 39 is chasing a record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title.
Williams improved to 77-1 in first-round Slam matches. The loss came in Paris in 2012.
