Maria Sharapova starts title defence with win over Kaia Kanepi

The world number two shrugged off a mid-set wobble to take the opener in 36 minutes, but found it far tougher in the next as Kanepi started to pose a few problems.

A handful of unforced errors from Sharapova invited Kanepi back into the second set – with the Russian surrendering a break advantage – as she struggled with the wind and a harsh cough on Philippe Chatrier.

However, just as the set was drifting towards a tie-break, the defending champion was gifted victory when her opponent double faulted at match point.

"I'm getting over it, and hopefully it will pass by soon," Sharapova said about her illness at a news conference.

"I had a tough opponent ahead of me. I knew that it was going to be tough and it wasn't going to depend on the tennis."

"And the conditions were pretty difficult as well. So really, overall just happy I got through and have a day off tomorrow and I should be better by then."

Sharapova left the court to a smattering of boos after declining to do a post-match interview for the crowd.

"Of course I totally understand that, you know, everyone usually does post-interviews and answers a few questions to the crowd," she said. "It's absolutely normal.

"I'm not making any excuses but I've got to do what I have to do."

The second seed will face compatriot Vitalia Diatchenko in the second round.