PARIS — Eight-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams advanced to the second round of the French Open, beating Ashley Harkleroad 6-2, 6-1.

The 2002 French Open champion was broken in the first game of the match today and trailed 2-0 before winning seven straight games as a light rain fell.

The fifth-seeded Williams, the only woman in the field who has won the clay-court major, had a 10-0 edge in aces.