Serena Overcomes Slow Start; Wozniacki, Kvitova Out; Halep Opens Title Defense Tues.

It looked bad for Serena Williams early today at the French Open. But after dropping the first set 6-2 to Vitalia Diatchenko, the 3-time French winner lost just one game thereafter in a 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 win.

“It was weird. You know, I have been dealing with a lot, and then I just got nervous out there and I stopped moving my feet,” Serena said. “And it was, like, concrete blocks on my feet. I was, like, ‘You gotta do something.

“I was just making so many errors,” she added. “Every shot I hit, I felt like I was hitting on my frame. I usually don’t hit balls on my frame. I was just off, basically, and then instead of correcting it, I just kept getting worse, just to be honest.”

Serena added that she was feeling better after all the injuries this season.

“Physically I felt pretty good,” said Serena. “Yeah, I’ve had a lot of injuries. I’m usually not an injured player, but I sprained my ankle in Australia and everything went downhill from there.

“I think I’m finally on the mend, but yeah, it’s been a really interesting year for me thus far.”

While Serena avoided the upset, her BFF did not as Caroline Wozniacki dominated early but then fell apart to Veronika Kudermetova in a 0-6, 6-3, 6-3.

“It is a great win for me today. I was so excited to play on this court, in a big stadium, and in this match. I am super excited,” the 22-year-old Kudermetova said.

“I was a little bit nervous when I started the match, but after game by game I tried to play my tennis. A little bit more aggressive, and I think I did a great job today.”

Due to a forearm injury, Petra Kvitova had to withdraw.

“I’m disappointed to have to announce my withdrawal from Roland Garros,” Kvitova tweeted earlier in the day. “I’ve had a pain in my left forearm for a few weeks and last night an MRI confirmed a grade two tear, which unfortunately could get a lot worse if I play today.”

Among those advancing on a busy Monday were Kiki Bertens, Johanna Konta, Ash Barty, Elise Mertens, Danielle Collins and Donna Vekic.

Tomorrow, Simona Halep opens her title defense. She’ll be joined by World No. 1 Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys and former champion Jelena Ostapenko who collides with Victoria Azarenka.