Live from Roland Garros (VI)

All the latest news from the French Open, including the "Benny Berthet" charity exhibition matches which saw a surprise defeat for Rafael Nadal! King of clay suffers first defeat For the first time ever, Rafael Nadal has been defeated here at Roland Garros! Before the rest of the men’s draw get too excited however, it should be pointed out that his loss came as part of the traditional "Benny Berthet" charity exhibition matches. Rafa went down 7-5 to Argentina’s Brian Dabul on Philippe Chatrier court in a single-set encounter, with the brief shower which made the court slippery towards the end perhaps seeing Nadal decide that discretion was the better part of valour. Various exhibition matches were played throughout the day on Philippe Chatrier, Suzanne Lenglen and No1 courts, with the proceeds going to five charities which are partners of the event. Despite the overcast weather, there was a good turn-out with fans enjoying some spectacular tennis, including appearances from local favourites Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Fabrice Santoro amongst others. Murray, Ivanovic, Safin and Simon first up on Sunday The now traditional "Sunday Start" will get the 79th French Open under way, with reigning women’s champion Ana Ivanovic starting the proceedings at 11 am (CET) on Philippe Chatrier court against Italy’s Sara Errani. Marat Safin (against young French hopeful Alexandre Sidorenko), Gilles Simon, Amélie Mauresmo and Andy Murray are the other seeds who will open their campaigns on Sunday. Jouan secures last-minute wild card "I can’t believe it!" said Romain Jouan, who had just been informed that he would be taking part in this year’s French Open. The 23-year-old Frenchman who is currently No310 in the ATP rankings was given a last-minute wild card after American John Isner was forced to pull out. Since the tournament organisers are not allowed to give a wild card to a player who had taken part in the qualifiers, Jouan suddenly found himself catapulted into the main draw and facing none other than Andy Roddick in the first round! This will be the Brittany-born player’s first ever Grand Slam match, and he will no doubt have the privilege of making his bow on one of the show courts.