World No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain met strong challenges from American John Isner and needed to play five sets to go through the first round in the men'singles at the French Open on Tuesday.


Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot against John Isner of the U.S. during the first round match of the men's singles at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, capital of France, May 24, 2011. Nadal won the match 3-2. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
The five-time French Open title winner and also the defending champion fought four hours before finally edged out the American giant 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-4.


VietNamNet/Xinhuanet