French Open finalist Mary Pierce has made a successful transition from clay to grass, winning her first round match at Wimbledon in convincing style. In fading light the French No.12 seed beat 18-year-old Czech Lucie Safarova in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.

At the age of 30 Pierce is enjoying yet another successful comeback from injury, which has included a win at Roland Garros over world No.1 Lindsay Davenport. The disappointment of her subsequent finals loss to Justine Henin-Hardenne was cast aside today as she took the first set from her 60th-ranked opponent with ease, 6-3.

Safarova made a better start to the second set, holding her own serve and applying pressure on Pierce's delivery. On her third break point at 3-2 Safarova wrong footed Pierce to take a 4-2 lead.

But the popular veteran didn't lose her cool. When heavy hitting secured an immediate break back for Pierce her opponent's newfound confidence proved shortlived. Pierce held serve for 4-4 and broke again for 5-4. She then served the match out to love, underlying proceedings with an ace.

Pierce now plays Julia Vakulenko of Ukraine in the second round.