PARIS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Czech Karolina Pliskova survived a first-round scare at the French Open on Tuesday as the second seed rallied to beat Egypt's qualifier Mayar Sherif 6-7 (9), 6-2, 6-4 to advance to second round.

The former world No. 1 is to face a tougher challenge in the second round against 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, who knocked out American Madison Brengle 6-2, 6-1.

Pliskova wasted eight set points in the opener but recovered quickly in the following two sets, serving out the contest on Court Philippe-Chatrier after two hours and 15 minutes.

The 24-year-old Sherif, who ranks 172nd in the world, has become the first Egyptian woman to present at a Grand Slam main draw, while Pliskova, 27, is bidding for her first major title in her 33rd Grand Slam appearance.

Pliskova's best record at a Grand Slam was in 2016 US Open where she lost to Angelique Kerber 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in the final.

Also on Tuesday, men's singles seventh seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy cruised to a 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Canadian Vasek Pospisil.

World No. 1 and top seed Novak Djokovic will kick off his campaign for an 18th major title against Sweden's Mikael Ymer later on the central court. Enditem

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