Azarenka, Keys get early taste of Chatrier

Several players have already touched down in Paris ahead of Roland-Garros, and some have even hit the practice courts to get re-acquainted with the terre battue.

Ex-world No.1 Victoria Azarenka enjoyed a brief hit on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Monday, while former world No.7 Madison Keys was also put through her paces on the iconic stadium.

Azarenka, a semi-finalist at Roland-Garros in 2013, showed some great form during her third-round defeat to world No.1 and eventual champion Iga Swiatek in Rome last week.

The two-time major champion reached the fourth round on Parisian clay 12 months ago and owns a 26-14 win-loss record at the tournament.

Keys, who is 1-3 on clay this season, made the last-four at Roland-Garros in 2018, and will be searching for her early-season form that saw her win a title in Adelaide and reach the semis at the Australian Open four months ago.

Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins had a two-hour slot reserved on the practice schedule for Court Simonne-Mathieu, while her compatriot Taylor Fritz, who hasn't played since his Monte-Carlo quarter-final exit last month, was also on the schedule for a later afternoon session.

Qualifying action kicked off at Roland-Garros on Monday and main draw matches commence on Sunday May 22.