- Williams beats Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3, 5-7, 6-1
- American now second-highest ranked player in her half of draw
It remains to be seen whether Serena Williams can play herself into form over the coming days and rise to become a true contender for the French Open title, but her effort alone cannot be faulted. The three-times Roland Garros champion moved into the third round by punctuating an arduous three-setter with a strong finish, beating Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 to advance.
The victory, only her third of the clay season, may not have been convincing but during this uncertain period every victory marks a small step forward. After looking sublime in Australia, beating two top 10 players before losing in the semi-finals to eventual champion Naomi Osaka, she spent three months away and her absence has shown.
Related: French Open: Serena Williams into round three, Zverev and Tsitsipas both win – as it happened
Related: ‘Courageous’: Japanese athletes and sponsors voice support for Naomi Osaka
