French Open Diary

Tennis has become one of the world8217;s sexiest sports and it8217;s not just Russian pin-up Anna Kournikova they8217;re drooling over at Roland Garros.

Defending men8217;s champion Carlos Moya is right up there after being voted one of the 50 most beautiful people8217; in a recent survey by People8217; magazine.

But Australian star Pat Rafter went one better last year, claiming the title of sexiest athlete in the world.8217;

On court, Moya has long since broken through the top 50 barrier. The Spaniard reached number one for two weeks in march before sliding back to fourth.

Some favour!

Hard-hitting Venus Williams always gives as good as she gets 8212; especially when she8217;s playing on her beloved clay.

And that was tough on Alexandra Fusai of France, who tentatively tried a few early winners in their first-round clash before Venus overwhelmed her 6-1, 6-1.

8220;She hit some great shots,8221; said Venus. 8220;But mostly I don8217;t enjoy great shots being hit Agaisnt me, so I have to return the favourquot;.

Second chance for Dementieva

Lucky loser Elena Dementieva of Russia should have been on her way home after losing in the qualifiers on Saturday. Instead the world number 127 finds herself in the second round at Roland Garros.

Dementieva, who lost in the final qualifying round to Pavlina Stoyanova of Bulgaria in straight sets, benefited from the last-minute withdrawal of Germany8217;s Anke Huber with foot injury.

And she promptly beat Laura Golarsa of Italy 6-1 6-4 to take her place in the last 64 of the women8217;s singles.