BEIJING, May 30 -- The French Open started on Sunday for the first time and nearly ended quickly for Maria Sharapova.

The former Wimbledon champion overcame a gimpy foot, a 5-2 deficit in the third set and three match points to beat American Mashona Washington 6-2, 5-7, 7-5.

The match was the first since April 1 for Sharapova, who withdrew from two events leading up to Roland Garros because of a right ankle injury. Her movement was clearly hampered, even after a trainer rewrapped the ankle following the second set.

Neither Sharapova nor top-ranked Roger Federer was thrilled with the early start. Federer lost his first two service games to fall behind 3-0, then gradually found his form and beat qualifier Diego Hartfield 7-5, 7-6 (2), 6-2.

Beginning his bid for the only Grand Slam title he has yet to win, Federer needed more than 2 1/2 hours to eliminate an Argentine making his tour-level debut.

(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)