German Laura Siegemund saved seven set points to beat 2017 quarter finalist Kristina Mladenovic 7-5 6-3 under the roof of the Phillippe Chatrier Court reaching the second round at Roland Garros.
Three years ago Siegemund beat Mladenovic in a thrilling final at the 2017 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart to clinch the biggest title of her career.
Two-time Roland Garros doubles champion Mladenovic broke twice to take a 5-1 lead after less than 30 minutes. Siegemund faced a set point on serve after netting a drop-shot.
Siegemund fended off seven set points, including five chances in the ninth game. The German player reeled off six consecutive games to win the opening set 7-5.
The second set started with a trade of breaks. Mladenovic saved three break points in a long sixth game and held her serve after four deuces. Siegemund broke serve in the eighth game and served out on her first match point.
Siegemund hit 37 winners to 30 unforced errors, converted five of her ten break point chances and won 60% of her first serve points. The German player set up a second round match against former Wimbledon semifinalist Julia Goerges and Alison Riske.