27 May 2010

Defending champions struggle in Paris

11:43 am on 27 May 2010

The two defending singles champions have battled their way through to the third round of the French Open tennis championship in Paris.

Roger Federer overcame a sloppy first set and two rain breaks to beat Colombian Alejandro Falla in straight sets.

The Swiss star produced 21 unforced errors in the first set before winning the tie-break. The rain breaks then appeared to work in his favour as he found his game against the world number 70.

Svetlana Kuznetsova fought off four match points in the second set before beating German Andrea Petkovic in three.

The sixth-seeded Russian won the second set tie-break and then battled her way to a 6-4 victory in the third.

Other winners included Robin Soderling and Venus Wiliams.