Paris, May 26: Former champion Mary Pierce of France crumbled in the red dust of Roland Garros yesterday as Clarisa Fernandez of Argentina dealt her a 6-2 6-3 defeat in the opening round of the French Open women's singles. Canadian-born Pierce became a heroine for French fans three years ago when she became the first 'home' player to lift the women's trophy since Francoise Durr in 1967 after beating Spaniard Conchita Martinez.

But yesterday she was hopelessly outgunned as Fernandez, a 21-year-old from Cordoba, romped through. "When I won the French Open I felt I was just starting to play my best tennis," said Pierce.

"It was exciting to know I had so much room for improvement.

"When I come to a tournament I always try to do my best - it doesn't matter what tournament.

"I know it's still there. I don't think I've played my best tennis yet. But it was back to the drawing board on this showing.

Pierce, 28 and a quarter-finalist 12 months ago, came into the event on the back of a slew of injuries which have dulled her edge and given her a mediocre record in 2003 of eight wins for seven defeats.

A hip injury spoilt her preparations for Paris.

Fernandez has high hopes of repeating last year's surge to the semi-finals, where she eventually bowed to Venus Williams.

On that occasion she became the first unseeded female semi-finalist here since Jennifer Capriati in 1990.

Bureau Report