The 40-year-old American was the first to commit and immediately conceded the break.
In the process, the French, 115th in the world, confirmed on her face-off to lead 2-0.
But Williams finally won her first game on her next serve.
She had resumed competition to everyone's surprise last week in doubles in Eastbourne, associated with the Tunisian Ons Jabeur (then 3rd in the world in singles).
Seven-time Major champion on grass and ex-undisputed world No.1, Serena Williams fell to 1,204th in the world and received an invitation to enter the main draw.
In July 2021, injured in a thigh, she was forced to retire in the first round against Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich (100th in the world), when she was ranked 8th in the WTA.
Five and a half years after winning her 23rd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, the American still hopes to win a 24th to equal Margaret Court's record.
She had the opportunity twice at Wimbledon but lost in the final in 2018 and then in 2019.
© 2022 AFP