PARIS, France (AFP) — Women's world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka sizzled early, needing just an hour to sweep aside Russian Kamilla Rakhimova in the women’s singles event of the French Open.

The Belarusian kicked off the schedule under the roof on Court Philippe Chatrier with a ruthless 6-1, 6-0 win.

Sabalenka has never reached the final at Roland Garros, but the tournament appears more open than in recent years given the struggles of three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek.

The Pole has slipped to fifth in the rankings and has not reached a WTA final since lifting her fourth French Open trophy last year.

"I really feel I can do really well here," said Sabalenka, who belted 30 winners past Rakhimova. "Super happy with the level."

Italian Open champion Jasmine Paolini recovered from a wobble to see off Yuan Yue, winning the Last Four games to prevail 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

"It was tough. A bit of emotion and nerves came out. I'm happy I fought until the end. It was tough 3-2 down with a break, but I did it," Paolini said.

Fourth-ranked Paolini, who was well beaten by Swiatek in the 2024 final, also finished runner-up at Wimbledon last year.

China's Zheng Qinwen, winner of Olympic gold last year at Roland Garros, overcame a tough first-round assignment as she beat former finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-3.

"I will carry the gold medal mentality throughout the tournament," said Zheng, the No. 8 seed.

Elina Svitolina eased to a 6-1, 6-1 win over Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez as scattered showers interrupted play briefly on the outside courts before giving way to clearer skies.