Nicole Vaidisova became the first seed to fall at the 2008 French Open when fellow Czech Iveta Benesova defeated her 7-6 6-1 in the opening round.

"It's always hard to play your best friend. I have to give her credit, she played a great match," said 15th-seeded Vaidisova, who finally lost the match by producing a double fault on match point.

Two years ago Vaidisova was semifinalist at Roland Garros, but today's defeat is just a continuation of her bad results. It is her sixth successive defeat dating back to March, plus, she has won only one match on tour since reaching the Australian Open fourth round in January.

World No.70 Benesova will be aiming to progress beyond the second round for the first time in seven attempts when she faces either Russia's Anastasia Rodionova or Peng Shuai of China next. (source: Reuters, photo: Getty Images)

Last year’s finalist Ana Ivanovic of Serbia advanced to the second round of Roland Garros with a 6-2 7-5 win over world No.45 Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden.

In the first set world No.2 Ivanovic established a 5-1 lead and despite losing serve for the first time, she victoriously finished the set. However, the second set was a much more undecided affair. The 24-year-old Arvidsson took a 3-1 lead and held three break points, but then Ivanovic woke her best game up. Ivanovic saved those break points, broke back and then again saved two break points to win a crucial game for a 4-3 lead. However, she was still lacking consistency, and she had to save another break point at 4-4. Ivanovic earned a crucial break of serve in the 12th game to finally win the match.

Ivanovic, seeded second, will next face Czech Lucie Safarova. They have played only once so far and the Serb scored a victory in straight sets. (via Ana Ivanovic's website)

Roland Garros starts in just two days, on May 25, so let's remind ourselves of some interesting facts and figures.

2007 champions

• Women's singles: Justine Henin (Belgium)

• Women's doubles: Alicia Molik (Australia) Mara Santangelo (Italy)

Most French Open titles

• All competitions: Margaret Court (Australia) 13 (5 singles, 4 doubles, 4 mixed doubles)

• Women's singles: Chris Evert (U.S.) 7, Steffi Graf (Germany) 6 Read more »

You remember all the mystery behind Maria Sharapova’s Australian Open dress, and you know that for the French Open it was the same story. Well, finally we know for sure that for the French Open the Russian fashionista will wear Nike Paris Dress inspired by 1920s. In addition, the world No.1 will wear Tiffany & Co. designer Elsa Peretti’s Wave earrings in 18K gold. Also, the back of Sharapova’s Nike Paris Dress is adorned with a Tiffany pearl button closure.

This is the beginning of a two-year partnership between the 21-year-old Sharapova and Tiffany & Co.; Masha will step onto the court of all the Grand Slams wearing Tiffany earrings, which will also be sold at Tiffany stores under the Tiffany for Maria Sharapova collection.

There are two more photos of the Nike Paris Dress after the cut. Read more »

World No.10 Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia has announced her withdrawal from the French Open. She has a stress fracture in her right foot. Hantuchova was hoping to be able to recover by the time of the claycourt Grand Slam, but that unfortunately hasn't happened.

Disappointed with the outcome she said:

A near heartbreaking day for me… After final consult with my team, I am sad to announce that I will be missing my first Roland Garros as a professional athlete. Every player’s dream is to compete in the Grand Slams and I so much wanted to make Paris happen. But I know I have to be patient as recovery from this type of injury takes time. Hopefully I will be strong and healthy to practice and play in full speed soon. I wish everyone all the best, lots of good tennis, and much love to all the fans!

(photo: Getty Images)