Japan's Kei Nishikori overcame a partisan crowd and a valiant effort from Frenchman Benoit Paire to win a five-set thriller and reach the third round of the French Open on Wednesday.

After what he called a "perfect first set," the world No. 21 Nishikori was made to work for three hours in front of a noisy Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd that gave passionate support to the local favorite, but eventually prevailed 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

The 19th seed, who is playing his first Grand Slam tournament since Wimbledon last year, lifted his game in the fourth set and saved four break points in the ninth game of the fifth set to wrap up the victory at Roland Garros.

"The important thing is I was able to do my minimum," Nishikori said.

"I was able to play aggressively in the fourth and fifth sets, which expanded my chances. I was able to win because I managed to turn the tide," he said.

The 28-year-old Japanese, who sustained a season-ending right wrist injury last August, has not won an ATP title for more than two years.

Nishikori said he has not played a five-set match in a long time but did not feel he was pushed to his physical limits, saying "It was quick for a five-setter so I should be able to recover (before the next match)."

Nishikori will face Gilles Simon of France, who upset 12th seed Sam Querrey on Tuesday, in the third round.

In the first round of the women's doubles, the Japanese pair of Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato allowed the Williams sisters to come from behind for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Serena and Venus Williams were back in Grand Slam doubles action for the first time in nearly two years.