Rusty Hewitt reaches French Open second round

PARIS, May 30 (Reuters) Australian Lleyton Hewitt recovered from a sluggish start to overcome Czech Jan Hernych 7-6 3-6 6-2 6-0 and reach the second round at the French Open today.

Hewitt, seeded 14th, was doubtful three days before the start of Roland Garros with a left ankle injury.

The former world number one, who has never made it past the quarter-finals on Paris clay, lost his serve twice in the opening set but broke back on two occasions to set up a tie-break he won 7-5.

World number 96 Hernych broke twice in the second set to level the match before Hewitt recovered his pace to clinch victory on his first match point.

The Australian will face France's Mathieu Moncourt in the next round.

Reuters CH VP2356