Petra Kvitova sealed her place at the second round of Roland Garros by powering past Oceane Dodin 6-3 7-5.
The Czech Republican took advantage of the indoor conditions as she hit 29 winners in the match.
Despite Dodin’s impressive level in the second set, Kvitova raised her game to seal victory.
Round two will see Kvitova take on Aliona Bolsova or Jasmine Paolini.
The two-time grand slam champion approached Roland Garros, with limited expectations after admitting that clay isn’t her most comfortable surface.
An agonising fourth round defeat to Shelby Rogers at the US Open would also put into perspective how tough it is to win a grand slam.
However her first round match against Oceane Dodin couldn’t have started any better as in the first set, she was irresistible on serve.
Only losing two points on her serve and none on her first serve was the ideal start as the indoor conditions on Chatrier suited her game.
Hitting aces and winners for fun signalled positive signs for the Czech Republican as she looked to make a statement early in the tournament.
However her French opponent took the match to Kvitová in the opening stages on serve as she showed moments of power especially with the backhand.
Constructing the points well, Dodin found comfort on her serve but was unable to produce any of these qualities in her return game.
As Kvitová continued to target the Dodin forehand, more unforced errors were produced as the 7th seed eventually found the crucial break in the eighth game.
A comfortable service hold sealed an impressive set for Kvitová, 6-3 in 30 minutes.
The second set saw both players trade breaks to start the set as Dodin started to raise her level.
More power and more accuracy with her shots saw the Frenchwoman find rhythm with her play as she took more risks.
Although Kvitová was inconsistent, Dodin continued to trouble the big-serving Czech as an entertaining match was evolving.
In order to stop the momentum, Kvitová shortened the points by going to the net and varying up her tactics.
Eventually Kvitová managed to pile on the pressure when it mattered most as a crucial break in the eleventh game was greeted with a huge roar.
An entertaining match met its climax as a powerful Kvitová forehand volley sealed victory in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
A good opening round performance from Kvitová in what was a tricky second set against Dodin who raised her level.
In round two, Kvitová will meet Aliona Bolsova or Jasmine Paolini.
