Venus Williams has had a lean time of it since winning Wimbledon in 2005, but the American feels fully fit and ready to launch a renewed assault on an eighth grand-slam title at this year's French Open.

A combination of injuries and poor form has contributed to a below-par last two years for the 26-year-old.

In 2006, she failed to progress past the third round in a grand slam, and the wrist injury which she picked up at the end of that year caused her to miss the 2007 Australian Open.

But she showed some of her old form in powering past home favourite Alize Cornet 6-4 6-3 in a first-round clash at Roland Garros.

Williams is taking it slowly as she looks to rediscover her old rhythm, and is delighted to be back competing at the highest level.

''The most important thing is that I am on tour, then things can happen,'' said the American, who struggled with both elbow and wrist injuries last year.

''Being healthy is the important thing. If I am healthy, I have the chance to prepare and then come to play these tournaments.

''I am just happy to be back out there, and be fit. I have not had a lot of luck with injuries over the last few years.

''But I am a winner, and I am used to winning. I am counting my blessings but I definitely expect things from myself.''

Unlike her sister Serena, who on Sunday was taken to three sets by Tsvetana Pironkova before progressing into the second round, Venus looked comfortable in her opening game.

Cornet is a talented prospect, but she often found Williams' power off both her backhand and forehand too hot to handle.

One of the 10 Americans in the draw has already been knocked out - Jamea Jackson lost to 27th-seed Samantha Stosur 6-1 6-2.

Severine Bremond (31) became the first seed to be knocked out of the tournament, the Frenchwoman losing 6-3 6-3 to Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands.

Tim Henman's first-round tie with Latvian teenager Ernests Gulbis will have to wait until at least today before they get on court, after rain disrupted most of Sunday's play. The British number two's name did not appear on the order of play yesterday and with more rain forecast the match may be set back to tomorrow.

Roger Federer appeared to be marching through to the second round when play was suspended.

The Swiss star was 6-4 4-1 up against America's Michael Russell and just starting to motor when the heavens opened for the second time in the day, forcing organisers to call off the remainder of the day's play.

Federer, bidding to become French Open champion for the first time, will surely finish off Russell when they resume today, weather permitting.