2058: ... not really, they're off at last - So, the match score when play is suspended is 6-2 6-4 5-7 4-6 5-5, Monfils and Fognini will have to come back tomorrow. And that's all from me - you know I love you, don't you?

2055: Monfils gets to a drop-shot with time to spare but dabs into the net, and the Italian has a third match-point... Fognini sticks a return long, before pulling a forehand wide to hand Monfils the advantage. And Monfils has held as Fognini puts a backhand wide. AND THEY'RE GOING TO CARRY ON!

2052: Monfils doesn't seem too fussed about playing on, but he might regret that after he puts two groundstrokes long. An unenhanced shot of the court shows you just how murky it is out there, before Monfils yanks a timid backhand wide. But that's fabulous scrambling from Monfils to save one match point... AND ANOTHER!

2047: Remarkable scenes on Phillipe Chatrier, Monfils and Fognini are still going at it hammer and tongs in the evening murk - for those there, the little sighs and grunts must be like the utterings of a midnight pillow fight. What a shot that is from Monfils, a cross-court backhand that sets up a second break-point. But that's good scrambling from Fognini, who crashes a forehand volley straight at Monfils... crazy really, it's a Grand Slam tournament and no-one can see what's happening... Fognini holds to make it 5-4, and they're playing on!

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Murray a bit peeved at the end after dropping serve and launches his towel at his chair. "You can still play," shouts a young British voice. No they can't son. Bedtime."

2039: In other news, Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus was 4-6 6-1 7-5 up against Spaniard Marcel Granollers when play was suspended and John Isner, the 17th seed from the United States, is 6-7 5-5 down to Marco Chiudinelli of Switzerland.

2033: Right, not a particularly satisfactory end to the day's play, with Murray broken for the first time in the match. Murray wasn't happy about that, but he can't have too many complaints, it must be like playing tennis in a London pea-souper. Over on Phillipe Chatrier, the final set if going with serve, with Fabio Fognini 4-3 up over local hero Gael Monfils.

Murray 6-2 3-3 Chela*
It's all going off over on Phillipe Chatrier, where Gael Monfils has just broken back against Fabio Fognini in the final set. Judging by the noise drifting over to Court 1, it's gladiatorial. Murray sends down another ace, but Chela makes it deuce with a little poke cross-court. Chela points to his peepers to indicate he's having trouble seeing, but he had no problem there, setting up break point with a cracking backhand pass. It's the drop-shot to the rescue once again for Murray, but that's no good - broken string and Murray sends a forehand miles long. And that's a break! Another epic rally finishes with Murray poking a forehand into the net, and we're going to have a chat about the light...

*Murray 6-2 3-2 Chela
It's drop-shot ahoy at Roland Garros, this time Chela leaving Murray rooted. Murray tries one of his own and finds the net, and the signs are that whereas Murray's lid was clinking and clonking in the first set, he's only just simmering so far in this. That said, that's a peach of a point - another drop-shot and he follows it up with an easy pass. That's barely believable defence from Murray, fetching a couple of overheads and plenty more groundstrokes before pick-pocketing the point with a dabbed winner down the line. And that's his game, I can feel Chela's heart breaking from here...

Murray 6-2 2-2 Chela*
Chela nicks the first two points of Murray's service game but Murray hits back with an ace. Fabulous early-hitting there from Murray, taking the ball on the rise and finishing things off with a sweet cross-court backhand. Murray at the net now and making it 40-30 with an angled volley, but some heavy-hitting from Chela takes it to deuce. Chela goes long on the next point before having a rustle around in his top drawer and pulling out perhaps the shot of the match, a magnificent drop-shot from about six feet behind the baseline. "WAKE UP!" roars Murray as Chela creates a break point, and luckily Chela puts a backhand wide. Knifed drop-shot from Murray on the back-hand side, but that's great scrambling from Chela to keep the game alive, yanking a backhand volley past the flailing Scot. That's a little lazy from Murray, dabbing an attempted drop-shot wide, but he then chases down a lob before punching home a backhand winner. Chela misses the line with an attempted pass on the next point, Murray holds.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Approaching 9pm in Paris and we play on. Murray has too much variety for Chela but not enough time tonight."

2002: While Murray and Chela have been battling it out, there has been plenty of other action around the courts. Thirteenth seed and home favourite Gael Monfils is struggling against unseeded Italian Fabio Fognini and is danger of seeing his two sets lead wiped out. Earlier in the men's singles 15th seed Tomas Berdych beat another home hopeful Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-5 6-1 6-4 while in the women's competition, third seed Caroline Wozniacki breezed into the third round with a 6-3 6-1 win over Tathiana Garbin. Meanwhile as Andy Murray takes the first set of his match, brother Jamie does not fare so well as he and Jonathan Marray go out in the first round of the men's doubles, losing 6-4 6-3 to Simon Greul and Peter Luczak.

*Murray 6-2 1-2 Chela
No wonder all those Impressionist liked the light in Paris, it's still looking pretty spangly at Roland Garros, we'll probably get another half an hour or so of play. Chela moves into a 40-0 lead and pounces on some more Murray bait at the net, but this time is able to bunt a backhand down the line.

Murray 6-2 1-1 Chela*
Chela being pulled left and right so much, you half expect him to start unravelling like a ball of wool in the middle of a rally - Murray opens up in the court and applies the sting with a backhand winner. Mustard from Murray, making it 40-0 with a chopped forehand drop-shot, although he follows up with a double-fault. Chela long with a forehand, Murray holds.

*Murray 6-2 0-1 Chela
That's a decent service hold to love from Chela, the Argentine finishing things off with probably his best backhand of the game.

Murray 6-2 Chela*
Looks pretty nippy over in Paris, everyone's got plenty of layers on, scarves and all. Murray creates three set point on serve but misses the first, plopping a lazy forehand volley into the net. Chela puts a forehand return wide, and Murray duly wraps up the opener. The lad looks in the groove, while Chela sits in his chair looking like a man who's been locked out of his house.

*Murray 5-2 Chela
Only 36% of first serves in for Chela, and you can't get away with that against Murray. Murray hooks a return just long, but then puts together a real hot-pot of a point, leaving Chela for dead with a naughty back-hand pass. Crackerjack backhand return down the line from Murray before the Scot changes things up with an impish backhand drop-shot - piquant. Chela saves one break point before outfoxing Murray at the net and holding with a heaved forehand volley on the walk.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Well the arena may be half-empty but the press seats are pretty full with Britain's finest. And me. Murray looking good after a strong start by Chela."

Murray 5-1 Chela*
A real zesty opening here from Murray, for Chela it's like ripping open a lemon and having the juices dashed in his eyes. Or something lemon-based/hurtful such as that. Chela pulled hither and tither before Murray pushes a volley into the open court. Once again Chela is dragged left and right and forward and backwards and Murray follows up with an ace. Murray's game again, Chela being bullied here, you almost want to avert your gaze.

*Murray 4-1 Chela
Chela, the world number 58, being run ragged now, a rash of unforced errors spewing forth from his racquet. That's a nice backhand winner though, and he follows up with a sledgehammer forehand down the line. Classic from Murray, puring Chela into the fire before roasting him with a forehand pass. That's four in a row, Chela, to borrow a phrase from the world of boxing, being 'owned'.

Murray 3-1 Chela*
Sorry! I've muffed up the 'denotes next server' thingy, manually refresh and all should become clear. Chela still looking for the big shots, but there's already a sense of brinkmanship about his play as flays a forehand long and wide. Murray brings Chela in and picks him off and that's three in a row for the British number one.

*Murray 2-1 Chela
Virtually every point is a bar-room brawl at the moment, although Chela wins the first point of the game with a delicate little drop-shot. Cute from Murray, seizing on another drop-shot from the Argentine and flipping a cross-court winner off the backhand side. That's massive from Murray, keeping Chela pinned behind the baseline with some heavy groundstrokes before sending him the wrong way - two break points. Chela pings a backhand long, buckling under the pressure.

Murray 1-1 Chela*
Chela looks pretty pumped and ready to take a few risks, leaving Murray standing with a forehand pass that peppers the line. Timely first serve from Murray, but the Scot misses the sideline to give Chela break point. But that's a well constructed point from Murray, disguising the drop-shot before putting his rival away with a simple volley. Double-fault from Murray, and this game is almost as long as the first - Parkie will be round jingle-jangling his keys in about an hour. What a shot that is from Chela to set up break point, a juddering backhand down the line, but he can't capitalise, putting his next return straight out. This is a real arm-wrestle, Chela bringing it back to deuce with some more searching groundstrokes, but Murray eventually takes the game courtesy of some waspish work up at the net.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "A few shouts of "Eh! Mooray! Where is Gasquet?" from the French yoof. Cheeky blighters."

*Murray 0-1 Chela
Chela wins the first point but Murray is all over Chela's second serve on the next point before putting away a clean cross-court winner. Cracking backhand on the slide from Murray keeps the game alive and Chela blows next point, slicing a drop-shot just wide. Murray heaping on the pressure in this first game, bringing the game back to deuce with a tremendous hooked forehand pass from well behind the baseline. But Chela finishes a 17-shot rally with a sweet forehand pass and manages to hold with a decent first serve.
* denotes next to serve

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Kuznetsova found her game in the end but you've got to feel sorry for Petkovic. The children of France have taken to her though, the little smashers."

1907: After that marathon match against Richard Gasquet a couple of days ago, Murray could have really done with the night off, but the sun is shining brightly so there's no real excuse, we should get at least a set in. Murray leads the Argentine 5-1 head-to-head, and beat him in straight sets in Madrid earlier this month.

1902: These crazy French... Murray and Chela are out on court and knocking up, it's all on...

1859: Right, still not sure what's happening Murray-wise, surely they can't stick him on at gone 8pm? I'll keep you posted...

1856: A couple of pile-driver backhands from Kuznetsova before Petkovic hits back with a zinging forehand down the line. But Zuznetsova sets up two more match points with another monstrous cross-court backhand. The German saves the first, but then goes long with a backhand. The defending champion look buried there, having to save four match points, but like some horror film monster, she just wouldn't die - 4-6 7-5 6-4.

1852: Thirteenth seed Monfils has broken against his Italian foe Fognini in the third set and looks to be heading serenely towards the third round. Not such plane-sailing for Kuznetsova, who's being dragged into a real bun-fight by Petkovic: cracking backhand winner from the Russian, before the German saves her second match point with a sweet forehand winner. Petkovic then gets a stroke of luck with a framed, chopped forehand which leaves her rival standing, and follows up with a similar shot to win the game. 5-4 final set, Petkovic to serve.

1846: Spunky lady! Petkovic giving as good as she gets on serve, and she gets Kuznetsova involved in a real arm-wrestle with the defending champion on match point, with the the Russian eventually pushing a forehand wide. Smart work at the net from Petkovic, and she holds courtesy of a deep, penetrating backhand. Kuznetsova forced to serve out...

1842: Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic is two sets up against Roger-Vasselin of France, beasting the home player 6-1 in the second. Third seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark has just taken the first set of her second-round match against Tathiana Garbin 6-3 over on Suzanne Lenglen.

1839: Kuznetsova looked toast only 20 minutes ago, but now she's pulling all the shots out of the locker, racing through that service game to require just one more game to reach the third round. That last game was a break, I apologise.

1836: Little kiss there from Elena, which is smashing. Monfils has just gone two sets up over on Phillipe Chatrier, Fignini of Italy his second-round opponent.

Elena Baltacha on Twitter: "Unfortunately had to pull out of doubles due to lower back pain... feel terrible for (partner) Liga Dekmeijere! Rest and lots of treatment! Hopefully see you all in Nottingham. x"

1832: Many thanks Caroline. Petkovic saves a break point before Kuznetsova hits her with the old one-two and follows up with some beefy groundstrokes to hold and make it 4-1 in the deciding set. Looks like the German's challenge is fading...

1828: Right, I can't stand the Court 1 drama anymore. I'm handing over to Ben Dirs. I'll see you tomorrow. Ooh, just before I go, Murray/Marray dropped the first set against Greul/Luczak 6-4. Sorry about that.

1824: Petkovic breaks straight back. There really is no knowing where this one will go next. Gael Monfils closing in on a two-set lead over Fabio Fognini, leading 5-3. Caroline Wozniacki breaks for a 3-1 lead over Tathiana Garbin.

1820: Oh dear. No-one wants to see this do they? Andrea Petkovic slumps over her racquet as she drops serve immediately in the decider against Kuznetsova and the German, who had four match points not so long ago, trails 2-0.

1815: French 15th seed Aravane Rezai comes through a tricky test against Angelique Kerber 6-2 2-6 6-3. That brings Caroline Wozniacki onto Lenglen where she faces Tathiana Garbin. Gael Monfils leads Fabio Fognini 6-2 4-2. Chanelle Scheepers is going along very nicely in the third set against Gisela Dulko, leading 3-0. Murray/Marray are still on serve at the business end of the first set against Greul/Luczak.

1812: So, so tense. Kuzy digs very, very deep to take Andrea Petkovic into a decider. But the German choked. Simple as that. After a few deuces, Kuzy finally gets her set point and pummels a short forehand. That Murray-Chela match looking more and more likely to be delayed until tomorrow - unless they can put it on another court.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Yikes. Probably not her main concern but Petkovic blowing four match points might give Murray the night off. Rain in the air..."

1805: Jeepers! Chanelle Scheepers has taken Gisela Dulko into a decider on Court 6, taking the second set 6-3. Svetlana Kuznetsova wins her fourth game in a row, holding to love to lead 6-5 in the second set.

1802: As you were, Murray and Chela. Kuznetsova threads a backhand pass down the line to break back after saving four match points. It's 5-5.

1801: Metronomic hitting from Petkovic as she waits for Kuzy to break down... which she does. Three match points. One saved as Kuzy scraps for her life. And another slips by as Petko belts a nervous forehand over the baseline. Eek. Now another error from the German and we're back to deuce. Kuzy with a break-back point, but finally another winner from Petko. Big forehand from the German earns a fourth match point, oh no, a backhand into the net. Back to deuce. This is agonising.

1753: Svetlana Kuznetsova isn't ready to give up the crowd just yet, two booming forehands helping her peg Petkovic back to 5-4. The German will now serve for the match though. Over on Chatrier, Gael Monfils takes the first set 6-2 against Fabio Fognini.

1749: Andrea Petkovic holds serve to 30 to take a 5-3 lead against Svetlana Kuznetsova and move within one game of a significant - if not hugely surprising - result against the defending champion.

1746: Over on Court 8, British pair Jamie Murray and Jonny Marray are just starting their first-round match against German/Aussie duo Simon Greul and Peter Luczak. Maurray, as they are known collectively (by no-one really), were late entries into the draw after a withdrawal.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Petkovic playing superbly, hitting hard and flat. If only someone could stop these bloomin kids shouting. I'm old."

1740: On Chatrier, Gael Monfils lost his break then recovered it against Fabio Fognini and leads 4-2. Number 15 seed Aravane Rezai is a break up in the decider against Angelique Kerber. Chanelle Scheepers is struggling against Gisela Dulko, trailing 6-3 2-3.

1736: This will be a popular result with some (mainly male) fans: Maria Kirilenko sees off Austrian Yvonne Meusburger 6-3 6-3. Meusburger also lost to Kirlenko at the Aussie Open this year, so I imagine she'll be sick of the sight of the Russian 'lovely'.

1730: Andrea Petkovic thumps a forehand down the line to break in the second set and take a 2-1 lead against Svetlana Kuznetsova, who has won one clay-court match this year and just eight in total.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "It's gone all warm and sunny again. Waited by the low-key Court 4 to see Safina arrive for doubles with Szavay but no sign. Slow handclap. That's all she needs. Now on Court 1 to see if Petkovic can finish off Kuznetsova. Gone dark and cloudy again."

1720: Thanks to Sarah, Max, Marc and Helena for your whoop whoops (see 1700). I'm touched. The weather is rainy, according to the Roland Garros forecast. Merci for that. But the sun is still out, for now, and Kuzy and Petko will be back up and running imminently.

1716: Svetlana Kuznetsova and Andrea Petkovic walk out on Court 1 in blazing sunshine and begin knocking up for the second time today. Kuznetsova, the defending champion, is a set down against the world number 41.

Ace magazine on Twitter: "Re 1700: Yes you can get a whoop double doop with cherries on top."
Cripes!

1700: Fanfare please, the covers are coming off and the French Open itself tweets: "Play will recommence shortly at Roland Garros." Can I get whoop whoop? No? OK.

1657: I can definitely see shadows, which must mean the sun's out. The ground staff have tantalisingly lifted one corner of the cover on Court 1, so I can see a tiny bit of clay... Crossed fingers, everyone.

From Jimmer in Glasgow via text: "Re 1619: I'm with etmuse, not literally of course, I've been hoping for rain delays today to watch the match tonight, I'll now be gutted if it rolls on to tomorrow. Can they not rig up some floodlights or something!?"

1643: The covers are still on but the water is being swept off them and the sky looks a bit brighter if you ask me. Play MIGHT be imminent. We'll see...

1627: Hey, if you're reading this on the website (rather than your mobile), you could spend this rain delay very profitably by reading Dave Ornstein's inside track on Andy Murray's knee injury. The verdict from sports physician Dr Andy Franklyn-Miller is: "It's certainly not career threatening."

1619: etmuse (see below) better hope there isn't too much more rain. It's already 5.19pm in Paris. I reckon Murray and Chela will have at least an hour to wait until they get on court even if it stops... What I'm saying is, they might not get on court today, and if they do they might not finish.

From etmuse on Twitter: "As someone stuck at work for a while yet, I'm actually pleased by the rain. Means I might get to actually WATCH Murray match."

From dee on 606: "Re 1548: The rain. It's like the Twenty20 World Cup. So what happens if a match is washed out? Duckworth-Lewis?"

Coach and commentator Brad Gilbert on Twitter: "I thought for a second we're in UK with all this on again, off again rain. These are the days that are the toughest on the players' mentality."

1554: When the rain fell, Gael Monfils was already a break to the good at 1-0 against Fabio Fognini. Angelique Kerber and 15th seed Aravana Rezai were just kicking off a deciding set. Svetlana Kuznetsova a set down against Andrea Petkovic... So if you're eagerly awaiting Murray v Chela, you'll be waiting a while. It follows the Kuznetsova match.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "OK, it's pelting down. Now stranded under Court 1 as some Canadian women discuss dress sizes."

1548: Well it may not have been raining when Piers texted, but I've just seen hoards of people scurrying for the exits on Court 1, so I think it is now. Booooooo.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Extraordinary. Play stops on Court 1 at one of the few moments it's not raining. Much booing. There must be the mother of all storms coming..."

1542: A proper spot of bother now for the defending champion. Andrea Petkovic holds her nerve and her serve to take the first set 6-4 against sixth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who came into the French Open on the back of a terrible run of form.

1535: Some cracking grunting going on on Court 1. Andrea Petkovic's is a two-tone number, sounds like she's saying 'oopla' every time she hits the ball. Anyway, Kuzy's still fighting in the first set and she pegs Petko back from 5-2 to 5-4.

1527: Next on Chatrier is one for the home fans as Gael Monfils takes on Italian Fabio Fognini. BBC Red Button coverage switches to Court 1 where defending champ Svetlana Kuznetsova has made a very sluggish start against Andrea Petkovic and trails 4-2. Over on Court 2, Flavia Penetta completes a crushing 6-1 6-1 win over Roberta Vinci.

1523: There it is. Roger Federer does indeed notch up his 699th career win with a 7-6 6-2 6-4 win over Colombian Alejandro Falla. Olivier Rochus or Julian Reister up next for the top seed. Can't see any problems there, but Robin Soderling lurks in his quarter.

1520: Alejandro Falla holds serve and earns himself at least another changeover against Roger Federer, but the defending champion will come out and serve for the match at 5-4 shortly.

1518: Fed showing off the full bag of tricks now. A chopped forehand approach followed by the most beautiful angled, backhand drop volley off what was a decent pass attempt from Falla. That gets the top seed to 15-15, as he looks to close out the match against serve at 5-3.

1513: Sensational volley by Falla, but a mindbogglingly brilliant lob by Fed in response. Brilliant. Looked for the all the world like it was going long until it dipped onto the line at the last moment. Falla does well to shrug off the shock to hold serve, but he still trails 4-3.

1507: Fed into a 4-2 lead now. They're just kicking off on Court 1 and Andrea Petkovic has broken Svetlana Kuznetsova's in the opening game. Murray-Chela follows that one. France's 15th seed Aravane Rezai, who won Madrid in the lead-up to Roland Garros, takes the first set against Angelique Kerber 6-2.

From FedFan-Kim on 606: "Ultra-quick break for Fed. If I'm not mistaken (and assuming of course that he serves this out!) this will be his 699th career match win."

1457: Fed in no mood to hang around. The world number one dances round a short second serve and wallops a forehand winner down the line to break straight away and the third round is now very much in sight.

1454: Federer to serve. Play. The top seed leads Falla 7-6 6-2 0-1. Play getting back under way on the other courts too.

1447: Right, the heavy shower has now passed and Federer and Falla can begin warming up. If this were Wimbledon, the rain would wait until just as Federer's about to serve before starting again.

1445: And just in reply to Mike's text, this is nothing like Wimbledon. Not now they've got a roof anyway. Federer and Falla are now sitting under umbrellas out on Chatrier, much like the rest of the crowd.

1443: This is a bit odd. It's just starting to rain more heavily again, but Roger Federer and Alejandro Falla march back out nonetheless. Fed smiles wryly. It's absolutely chucking it down.

From Mike, Norwich, via text: "What is this? Wimbledon? Get the tennis back on."

From Sarah via text: "Re 1427: Haha, when Piers said he was going to watch Scheepers, I thought that was a nickname he'd made up for someone, not her actual name - brilliant!"

1438: We've got an uncovered court, an umpire, some linespeople, a crowd... It looks promising, that's all I'm saying.

1432: Well, the covers are coming off... but it's still drizzling. Je suis confused.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "Sun's out and some aggressive Mexican waving on a still-covered Court 7 followed by a slow handclap and a loud 'allez'. It's like a practice court for French Open crowds."

1427: Anyway, I'm pleased that Piers (see his tweet below) is planning to get out to Court 6 when play gets back under way. That match features South African Chanelle Scheepers, surely one of the great tennis names of our time, against Argentine Gisela Dulko, who I know is a big fan of Piers. Or is that the other way around?

1423: The covers are being swept of water, which must be a good sign. On the down side, there's a Mexican wave on Chatrier, which is never, ever a good sign.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery tweeting from Roland Garros: "Rats. Had sunglasses & creme solaire and was off to Court 6 to check on Dulko v Scheepers - cue rain. Murray one match, plus rain, away now."

1412: Er, sorry about this, although I'm not sure I can really take the blame for the weather. The camera has panned hopefully towards some blue sky in Paris... but play is still suspended.

1400: Dave wreaks sweet revenge for me handing over to him just as the rain started. Looks like a fairly heavy shower this one, but hopefully that means it'll disappear more quickly. That's how the weather works, right? Manually refresh the page by the way, just so you know who's who.

1357: Cheddar sandwich munched, Miss Cheese is back. She's chomping at the bit to talk you through this rain delay, I promise. Bye for now.

1354: Bad news. The heavens have opened again, the brollies are up and the covers are on. Fed scampers off court. It looks like it'll be a short sharp shower and let's hope so.

1352: We're edging towards the arrival of Murray on Court 1. That's because Leonardo Mayer has beaten Julien Benneteau 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-3. Next up on that court are defending champions Sveta Kuznetsova and Petkovic. And then it's the British number one.

1348: Federer closes out with ease to take a two-set lead over Falla. Provided there aren't any more rain delay, this one should be done and dusted in not too long at all.

From Caroline Cheese on Twitter: "Venus on her dress: "The design has nothing to do with the rear. It just so happens that I have a very well developed one! It's all genetic"

1344: Well, Anon, I'm no fashionista but... I'd be inclined to suggest the Fed is looking resplendent in a turquoisey-blue polo shirt featuring white trip on the sleeves, and spotless white shorts. We'll see what Murray's got in store later on. Meanwhile, Federer's serving for the second set.

Anon via text on 81111: "Ok, we know what Venus' sexy little number looked like but what about Fed? Or Murray? What are they sporting today? "

From Kim Clijsters on Twitter: "@LDavenport76 thanks! Good to hear kids are good, nice little break in Paris for you! :-) see you in England!"

1333: There I was praising Falla... Feds went 3-1 ahead and then tore through the Columbian's serve to clinch the double break. Play has resumed on all courts so keep your texts, Tweets and 606s coming. Merci.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "A burst of sunshine receives warm applause on Chatrier and the 'hostesses' are wiping the seats down in the VIP box. Well done Mother Nature."

1328: Back under way on Court Philippe Chatrier and some of the others too. The Fed Express is serving for a 3-1 lead in the second set but Falla playing some nice stuff.

From Brad Gilbert on Twitter: "Not sure who looked better today Venus Williams' game or her outfit as VW is starting to play some serious clay ball & sliding & gliding nice"

1323: Voila. Fed and Fall are back out, the umpire's climbing back up to his chair and I think there may even be a few rays of sunshine creeping through the Parisian cloud cover. Nice.

1320: I'm afraid we've had no information just yet on when play is due to recommence but as soon as it arrives I'll get it over to you. There are a few people milling around on Court Philippe Chatrier and most of the brollies are down, so perhaps we might be back under way shortly.

1317: How charming of Caroline to hand over to me just as the heavens open, play stops and the TV feeds focus on bored spectators twirling their umbrellas.

1308: Falla's radar fails him as Federer steps up the pressure to secure an early break in the second set at 2-1. And on that note, here's Dave Ornstein. It's Cheese sandwich time.

1302: Umbrellas are up on Chatrier, but the rain isn't hard enough to stop play at the moment. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga can escape the shower after he completes a 6-0 6-1 6-4 over Josselin Ouanna. Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez or Dutchman Thiemo De Bakker up next for the eighth seed.

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "The covers are across Court 17 and the odd spot of rain outside Chatrier. Nearly tripped over Melanie Oudin while typing that. Tiny lady."

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Roland Garros: "France's Gilles Simon battles unnoticed through the multitude of Gallic teenagers watching Tsonga on a big screen. Former world number eight Smon. Not good enough."

From Purist on 606: "To be fair Federer wasn't bad in that set, Falla just played well. The Colombian choked at the key moment though and Fed will probably roll through the next two sets without too much fuss."

1256: Huge shout of "come on" from Fed as he sweeps a backhand onto the baseline and then puts away a volley. That gives him the mini-break at 4-3 - but then gives it straight back with a forehand into the net. The top seed then fires another stunning off-forehand onto the sideline to earn two set points and Falla obligingly miscues a forehand into the trams. Federer takes the first set 7-6 (7-4)

1252: Fed's unforced errors up to 18, in answer to Andrew's text, Falla on six. They switch sides in the tie-break at 3-3.

1248: And Fed breaks straight back. We're into a first-set tie-break. On Court 1, Leo Mayer takes the third set against Julien Benneteau. Andy Murray's second-round match against Juan Ignacio Chela follows Mayer-Benneteau and a women's match.

From Andrew in Newcastle, via text: "How many unforced errors has fed had now? It seems phenomenally high for him. I can't remember this many errors in the whole Australian Open."

1241: Two unforced errors to open the game from Federer and he goes on to face a break point, but the world number one picks off a short return and sees off the danger. Falla fights back though, and this time he does break, prodding a Fed drop shot down the line for a winner. The Colombian will serve for the first set.

1239: Alejandro Falla hits a big, deep ball. Oh yes. And so far, he's doing very well at drawing the errors from Roger Federer. The Colombian has dropped three points on serve and he holds to make it 5-5.

1231: Starting to feel a bit sorry for Lenglen ticket-holders. Having seen Robin Soderling roll over Taylor Dent, they're now witnessing Jo-Willy Tsonga make very short work of fellow Frenchman Josselin Ouanna. The eighth seed, who needed five sets to come through his opening match, leads 6-0 6-1. Tenth seed Marin Cilic wraps up a 6-3 7-6 6-2 win over Daniel Gimeno-Traver. On Court 1, Leo Mayer has a break in the third set against Julien Benneteau and leads 6-7 6-3 4-3.

From Marcas on 606: "That Falla is no pushover, he seems ready to slug it out and does not seem to be intimidated by the defending champ."

BBC 5 live's Jonathan Overend tweeting from Roland Garros: "Re 1155: More on Paul Annacone/LTA split... totally his decision, he wants to give plenty of notice then leave at end of contract in November."

1221: With many thanks to the LTA for the info, British number one Elena Baltacha has withdrawn from the doubles in Paris because of a stiff back. She says: "My back has been a little bit stiff after my singles and I've been advised that I should rest a bit longer. I'm really disappointed because I loved playing with Liga in Australia but with the grass court season just about to start, it would be silly to risk any more problems with my back." See you on the grass Bally.

1217: Cripes. Roger Federer faces a break point. First serve by Fed, stunning off-forehand onto the sideline. Left-hander Alejandro Falla looks like he was born on a clay court, and he's made a decent start, trailing 2-1 on serve.

1212: As Roger Federer holds his opening service game against Alejandro Falla, I bring some potentially bad news for the Brits. Elena Baltacha and Latvian partner Liga Dekmeijere were due to play in the doubles today but have been replaced in the draw. No idea why.

1203: You'll remember we witnessed the sad demise of former world number one Dinara Safina yesterday. The Russian lost in three sets to 39-year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm, serving 16 double-faults. Luckily, BBC Sport's Piers Newbery was at her news conference to offer words of consolation, and the Russian managed to sound optimistic despite her recent travails. "For sure, I won't give up. I'll have to swallow this loss and keep on moving, there is nothing more than this. I was in worse situations. That's life, after rain always comes sun. I'll do my best."

1159: Right if you're waiting for Murray, you may be waiting a while yet. Leo Mayer levels it up against Julien Benneteau and they're into a third set. Tsonga leads Ouanna 4-0. Wonder if Ouanna's got a sister? Called Joanna?

1155: Some quite big news from the wonderful world of British tennis: Paul Annacone, the men's head coach, has announced he is leaving the LTA at the end of his contract in November.

1152: So it's world number one and defending champion Roger Federer up next on Chatrier. Alejandro Falla of Colombia is his opponent. No sign of the rain in Paris, and I can actually see patches of blue sky. Tres bien. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is over on Lenglen, taking on fellow Frenchman Josselin Ouanna. The eighth seed leads 2-0.

1146: Nicely done. World number two Venus Williams beats Arantxa Parra Santonja 6-2 6-4. She'll face 26th seed Dominika Cibulkova or American Varvara Lepchenko in the second round.

1137: Sorry for the delay. My computer decided it was time to shut down and restart. It was like magic really. I never touched a thing. Venus is making hard work of consolidating a break against Arantxa PS, but she has now, and she leads 5-3, a game away from round three.

1126: Bad news from Court 9 where Britain's Sarah Borwell and American Raquel Kops-Jones are given a sound 6-0 6-1 beating by 12th seeds Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik. If you're pondering how to follow Andy Murray's second-round match against Juan Ignacio Chela later on (which is looking like about 1400 BST), it will be live on the BBC Red Button, the BBC website, and BBC 5 live Sport Extra. Those are your UK options. Otherwise, you're stuck with me. Sorry.

1123: Short delay there while I waited for Robin Soderling to complete a crushing 6-0 6-1 6-1 win over American Taylor Dent, who can head off to the grass where he'll be much, much happier. Over on Court 2, 10th seed Marin Cilic is leading 6-3 2-2 against Daniel Gimeno-Traver. On Court 1 where Andy Murray will be heading later, Julien 'Pat' Benneteau leads 7-6 1-0 (with a break) against Leonardo Mayer.

From anon via text: "Fancy King Rog to be dethroned by the cool Swede."

1104: The unstoppable machine that is Robin Soderling now leads 6-0 6-1 1-1 against Taylor Dent. The Swede is a possible quarter-final opponent for defending champion Roger Federer, who has reached the semi-finals or better at the last 23 Grand Slams. I sense that the Mayer-Benneteau match on Court 1 could be a long one. They're into a first-set tie-break. Murray-Chela is the third match on that court.

1102: Chris from Stirling texted in a few minutes ago with a question for the BBC Red Button team. It just got read out and answered. That's how it rolls. So get your queries in via text on 81111 or to me on Twitter.

From anon via text:"I like Venus's dress but couldn't she get matching shoes and visor? Or is the 'illusion' that she forgot to take her nightie off?"

1053: Relief also for Britain's Sarah Borwell and her American partner Raquel Kops-Jones. They dropped the first set 6-0 against 12th seeds Petschke/Srebotnik but they're on the board in the second and leading 1-0. The comeback's on... Meanwhile, Venus pockets the first set 6-2 against Aratxa Parra Santonja.

1048: Relief for Taylor Dent as he finally gets a game against the in-form Robin Soderling, but the American - not a great lover of the red stuff in fairness - still trails 6-0 4-1. Venus now 5-2 up. Court 1 watch: Leonardo Mayer has just broken for a 5-4 lead against Julien Benneteau. Andy Murray third up on that court.

From domcovkid on Twitter: "Re 1031: Can't be doing with all this 'illusion' and designer rubbish! Just bring in a standard P.E. kit and it'll all be sorted."

1040: Venus appears to have settled down on Chatrier and has a 3-1 lead over Arantxa Parra-Santonja. Robin Soderling is on track for a very early lunch, as he stretches his lead over Taylor Dent to 6-0 2-0. The Swede might even have a bagel or three. By the way, I'm loving your texts so far, they're keeping me very amused, but if you wouldn't mind sending a couple not relating to the (lack of) support in Venus's dress, I'd be ever so grateful and then I can publish some.

1036: If you want to ask the BBC Red Button commentary team of Alastair Eykyn and Sam Smith what their fashion motif of the season is, you can do so via text on 81111 or tweet me and I'll pass it on.

1031: According to the lady who designed it - Venus Williams - Venus's outfit is all about "illusion". She said after its debut on Sunday: "That's been a lot of my motif this year, illusion, and it's about obviously layers and kind of having that illusion of wearing layers and not having anything take away under it, the nude fabric. So these days I just have a lot of fun with my designs and designing and doing different things." Everyone clear on that? Good.

1026: After a real struggle, Venus holds her opening service game to make it 1-1 after 14 minutes. In about the same amount of time, Robin Soderling has swept into a 5-0 lead over Taylor Dent. Disappointing start for Britain's Sarah Borwell in the doubles. She and Kops-Jones are 2-0 down on Court 9.

From louise_hallman on Twitter: "Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer tennis whites to lingerie. Roll on the fuddy-duddies at Wimbledon!"

1022: If you're in the UK, you can check out Venus's outfit for yourself on the BBC's Red Button or on the web. Today's coverage plan is thus: Venus, Federer, Murray. Simple as that. Blustery conditions on Chatrier causing merry havoc with Venus's serve.

1017: Just before kick-off on Chatrier, the camera pans to Venus's mum Oracene, who looks like she'd rather be anywhere but sitting in a drafty, near-empty tennis stadium in Paris. Arms folded, face glum. Venus's outfit, by the way, is a sort of burlesque number. Black and lacy dress, with a red trim, and flesh-coloured pants. Many would not get away with it. Venus does, just about.

1012: Coming up later, Roger Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Caroline Wozniacki, Svetlana Kuznetsova are all in action... and then of course there's Andy Murray up against Juan Ignacio Chela in the third match on Court One. He's not the only Brit in action either. Elena Baltacha, Ross Hutchins, Jonny Marray, Jamie Murray all play today. First up, British women's doubles number one Sarah Borwell partners American Raquel Kops-Jones over on Court 9, taking on Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik.

1007: Venus Williams strolls onto Court Philippe Chatrier. The in-form second seed, wearing a rather - erm - risque outfit this year, is up against Spain's Arantxa Parra Santonja this morning. Over on Lenglen, last year's finalist Robin Soderling takes on American Taylor Dent.

1000: Hello again. Don't worry, you haven't woken up a month in the future, it's not Wimbledon yet - but I do have worrying SW19-worthy weather news from BBC Sport's Piers Newbery, who tweets: "Torrential rain in Paris last night and woke up to threatening grey skies, but dry for now. Murray set for 1300-1400 BST-ish, fingers crossed."