NOTEBOOK From Roland Garros

Hingis returns: Martina Hingis made a French Open comeback, but only as a spectator. Hingis, who has said her career is probably over because of persistent injuries, visited Roland Garros to take in some of the first-round action. Watching is the extent of her involvement with tennis these days. She spends much of her time skiing, horseback riding and studying English, said Lisa Chaffey, a representative with Octagon, Hingis' management company. The winner of five Grand Slam titles, Hingis recently bought a new horse and has competed in small equestrian events, Chaffey said. She's also taking an English class in Zurich. Hingis said earlier this year she was ready to retire after operations to her ankles in 2001 and 2002.
Morariu wins: Corina Morariu returned to tennis with a victory. Playing her first match of the year after rotator cuff surgery, the American beat Daja Bedanova of the Czech Republic 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 Tuesday to reach the second round. Morariu's previous major match was in September at the U.S. Open, when she returned to Grand Slam action less than 1 1/2 years after starting treatment for leukemia. She lost to Serena Williams. Morariu, who teamed with Lindsay Davenport to win the 1999 Wimbledon doubles title, was diagnosed with leukemia in May 2001 and had aggressive chemotherapy for several months.
Ball spin: Players say the balls at the tournament are heavier this year, which could be a disadvantage for those who hit hardest. Tournament organizers attribute any difference to wet, humid weather before the event, which moistened the surface of the clay courts, slowing the pace of shots. Stephane Simian, the tournament's sports director, said the same balls were used last year, and Roland Garros has used the same supplier for five years. "It's the same rubber, it's the same felt," Simian said. To make sure, several balls used during the first round were forwarded to the company for testing, Simian said. Top-ranked Lleyton Hewitt, 2001 women's champion Jennifer Capriati and 1999 men's champion Andre Agassi are among the many players who say they notice a difference. "The balls are much heavier than I remember them ever being," said Agassi, making his 15th appearance at Roland Garros. "It's not ideal."
-- Associated Press