Alkass Digital
World number four Elena Rybakina recovered from a rocky start to comfortably beat Belgian Greet Minnen 6-2 6-3 in the French Open first round on Tuesday, showing a full recovery from her recent illness.
Rybakina was unable to defend her Italian Open title and after losing serve in the opening game at Roland Garros and going 2-0 down, it looked like the Kazakh could be in trouble.
Rybakina withdrew from the French Open last year before her third-round match.
"Last year I missed this tournament and it was really hard but really happy to be back and compete here," Rybakina said.
"I'm really happy, thank you so much for coming guys, it's been an amazing atmosphere."
After Minnen's fast start, fourth seed Rybakina settled down to take the next six games and win the first set and the Kazakh began the second in the same fashion as she cruised into a 4-0 lead.
"Last year I missed this tournament and it was really hard but really happy to be back and compete here," Rybakina said.
"I'm really happy, thank you so much for coming guys, it's been an amazing atmosphere."
After Minnen's fast start, fourth seed Rybakina settled down to take the next six games and win the first set and the Kazakh began the second in the same fashion as she cruised into a 4-0 lead.