Maria Sharapova: A 'double bagel' in French Open win
Maria Sharapova, the No. 2 seed, easily beat Alexandra Cadantu of Romania 6-0, 6-0 in the first round of the French Open. With a French Open victory, Sharapova would notch a career Grand Slam.
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Later Tuesday, defending champion Rafael Nadal will begin his quest for a record-breaking seventh title at Roland Garros. On the women's side, 13-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams was scheduled to be in action.
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In Pictures: The many faces of Maria Sharapova
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On Monday, Roger Federer was stumped only a short time after reaching yet another tennis milestone.
He had just won his 233rd match at a Grand Slam tournament, equaling the Open era record set by Jimmy Connors, and he couldn't remember who he beat to get that first victory.
"Well, I should (know), shouldn't I?" Federer said after defeating Tobias Kamke of Germany 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 in Monday's first round of the French Open. "I know it was in Australia, but I can't remember who I was playing."
He was then reminded that it was Michael Chang.
"Oh, was it?" Federer said, a bit surprised. "Well, that was a beautiful victory, then."
Whether it was or not, it started Federer on a career that has seen him win a record 16 Grand Slam titles and garner a slew of other records along the way.
And he's only 30.
"I obviously love the big tournaments," Federer said. "I have been so successful for such a long time and to already tie that record — 30 years old is pretty incredible, so I'm very happy."
Along with Federer, top-ranked Novak Djokovic advanced to the second round on Day 2 of the French Open. Djokovic, who is trying to win his fourth straight Grand Slam title, beat Potito Starace of Italy 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-1.
In the women's tournament, top-ranked Victoria Azarenka won 12 of the final 14 games to come back and beat Alberta Brianti of Italy 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-2. Defending champion Li Na also progressed, along with No. 3 Agnieszka Radwanska.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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