Williams advanced to the second round by beating French teenager Alize Cornet 6-4, 6-3 on a damp court after a 3-hour delay at the start of the day.

It was second straight day of rain at the French Open, and three delays throughout the day forced organizers to postpone 58 matches.

Williams, who lost to sister Serena in the 2002 final at Roland Garros, survived a pair of breaks in the first set and another in the second on center court.

"I had some chances to really take the match, but she always came back," said Williams, a five-time Grand Slam champion.

Williams faced 10 break points in the match, including at least one in seven of the first eight games.

"Sometimes the first round can be like that," said Williams, who was playing in her first Grand Slam tournament since last July, when she lost in the third round at Wimbledon. "I definitely was really clear, especially toward the end, on how I wanted to execute."

Cornet, a 17-year-old wildcard, had more support from the French crowd throughout the match, but it was Williams that won most of the big points.

"I went onto court without pressure, with no complex," Cornet said. "I started the match very well. I have no regrets, she is a great champion."

Fourth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko was the only man to reach the second round today. He easily beat Stefano Galvani of Italy, 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 as the rain returned and eventually halted play again.

Also, No. 16 Li Na of China beat Sandra Kloesel of Germany, 7-6 (4), 6-0, No. 19 Tathiana Garbin of Italy defeated Akiko Morigami of Japan 7-6 (2), 6-4, and No. 27 Samantha Stosur of Australia beat Jamea Jackson of the United States 6-1, 6-2. Ashley Harkleroad and Michaella Krajicek also advanced.

"Thank you for the rain," said Li, who was trailing 5-3 when her match was interrupted by the weather.