PARIS — Jelena Jankovic got a little love from the net to help her beat Monica Niculescu 7-6 (3), 6-2 today and advance to the second round of the French Open.

Leading 4-2 in the first-set tiebreaker, last year's French Open semifinalist had a drop volley hit the top of the net and roll along the tape before falling into the opposite court.

The third-seeded Jankovic put her hand up as if to say, "Sorry." The Serb then bent down and kissed the white tape.

In the second set, Jankovic lost her serve after breaking her Romanian opponent in the opening game, but then dominated rest of the match.

The 20-year-old Niculescu was making her debut at Roland Garros after losing in the first round at the Australian Open in her first major tournament.

Later today, top-ranked Roger Federer was scheduled to begin his bid to complete a career Grand Slam by playing Sam Querrey of the United States in the first round, and No. 2 Rafael Nadal was to start his quest for a fourth straight French Open title against Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil.

On the women's side: Venus Williams, Jelena Jankovic and Amelie Mauresmo are all scheduled to play.