THE SIDELINES : Becker Struggles to Victory

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, in his first singles match this month, struggled to beat a French qualifier today in the $1-million Monte Carlo Open.

Becker, the No. 2 seed, downed Cedric Pioline, rated 167th in the world, 7-5, 6-4, in the second round after receiving a first-round bye.

Two seeded Americans lost second-round matches. Jordi Arrese of Spain beat No. 4 Aaron Krickstein 7-5, 6-2, and Jaime Yzaga of Peru beat No. 5 Jay Berger 1-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Becker had not played singles since losing to another Frenchman, Jean-Philippe Fleurian, in the third round of the Players International at Key Biscayne, Fla., in March. Becker had to bow out of the Barcelona tournament two weeks ago because of tendinitis, then came back to play doubles last week in Nice.

Pioline, 19, stayed even with Becker until 5-5 in the first set, then lost his serve. Becker held to win the set. In the second set, Becker jumped to a 5-2 lead and advanced after Pioline closed to 5-4.