
Roger Federer acknowledges the crowd after returning, and winning, at the French Open.

Not surprisingly there was a packed house for Federer, who hadn't played at the event since 2015.

Federer swept past Italian Lorenzo Sonego in one hour, 41 minutes and will face a lucky loser in round two.

Federer signed autographs and posed for a selfie or two after the win.

It was a good day too for Federer's fellow 37-year-old Nicolas Mahut, who pulled off a stunning comeback.

The French wildcard upset 2018 semifinalist Marco Cecchinato from two sets down, then celebrated with his son on court.

Venus Williams, 38, got a tough draw and fell in straight sets to ninth seed Elina Svitolina 6-3 6-3.

Three-time grand slam champion Angelique Kerber will have to wait to complete her collection of majors. Just back from an injury, she fell to former junior No. 1 Anastasia Potapova.

Garbine Muguruza, a former French Open champion whose ranking has dropped to 19th, rallied from a set down to beat American Taylor Townsend.

Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas, having a breakout 2019 campaign, advanced in straight sets. Tsitsipas beat King of Clay Rafael Nadal recently in Madrid.