China's Zhang Shuai lost to Estonian veteran Kaia Kanepi on Wednesday, leaving Wang Qiang the only active Chinese player in the draw. Wang will face the 17-year-old Iga Swiatek of Poland in Thursday's second round action.

"She is a really great player. Today I have tried my best. The match may be my best on clay in the last few years. Kaia played really well with good serves," said Zhang.

Zhang somewhat made redemption on doubles court afterwards, triumphing mixed doubles opener with Australian partner John Peers over French pair Margot Yerolymos and Gregoire Barrere 6-2, 7-5.

China also saw two women's pairings into the doubles second round.

Meanwhile, tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer moved a step further towards their potential semifinal clash in men's singles, while fourth-seeded Kiki Bertens had to retire from women's singles second round citing illness.

The 37-year-old Federer held off a persistent world No. 144 Oscar Otte, saving all four break points he faced in a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 win on Court Philippe Chatrier.

For 32-year-old Nadal, he was in near total control against Yannick Maden bar some nervy moments in the third set, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

The 17-time major champion will play Belgian 27th seed David Goffin in the last 32.

Greek sixth-seeded talent Stefanos Tsitsipas and No. 7 seed Kei Nishikori of Japan had to recover from one set down to overcome their respective opponents for the third round.

(With input from agencies)