Sharapova surges through against Hogenkamp challenge

Maria Sharapova found herself taken to a deciding set by Richel Hogenkamp - but eventually came through to take a first-round win at Roland Garros, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

In her first match in Paris since 2015, the Russian found herself 3-0 down in the final set - but fought hard to reel off six straight games and secure the victory.

"I love the challenge of being in a Grand Slam draw and figuring out a way to win," she told reporters afterwards.

"I mean, throughout two weeks, you play against different opponents and different circumstances with weather, with a lot of waiting around like we did, you know, to sunshine.

"So there is a lot of ups and downs, a lot of different feelings, different match-ups. You’ve just got to find a way how to handle your emotions and how you handle the matches physically. I thrive on that.

"I enjoy that challenge, trying to see how I can bring that out of me, how I can keep my concentration, my focus throughout, you know, using my experience, as well."

The two-time champion will next face Donna Vekic.