PARIS — Serena Williams overcame a slow start for a 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 win over 83rd-ranked Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia in her opener.
Williams had completed only three matches since her Australian Open ended four months ago, and she cited a bothersome left knee when pulling out of her past two tournaments.
During an error-filled first set, Williams was constantly shaking her head and yelling at herself.
But the 23-time Grand Slam champion quickly changed the momentum by winning the opening three games of the second set.
After committing 14 unforced errors in the first set, Williams had a total of 10 in the second and third sets.