Nadal on march to a perfect 10

SPANIARD CRUISES INTO SECOND ROUND Defending champ Djokovic on song in front of coach Agassi.

Rafael Nadal launched his pursuit of a record 10th French Open title in convincing fashion, while defending champion Novak Djokovic eased to victory under the gaze of new coach Andre Agassi.

Reigning women’s champion Garbine Muguruza began her Roland Garros defence with a straight-sets triumph over 2010 winner Francesca Schiavone.

Nadal, who was forced to withdraw before last year’s third round with a wrist injury, brushed aside No 45 Benoit Paire 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 inside two hours.

“I’m very happy to be back here after what happened last year. It’s great to feel the support,” said the 14-time Major champion.

Nadal broke Paire eight times and recovered from a slight second-set wobble when he dropped serve twice in a row.

“It’s always at the start, happy for the victory. Was not an easy opponent in the first round. He’s an uncomfortable opponent that already he had some good victories this year,” added Nadal.

Title-holder Djokovic strolled through his opener against Marcel Granollers of Spain, advancing 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic experienced some trouble against the world No 77, being broken four times.

The Serb, seeking to become the first man in the Open era to win all four Majors on at least two occasions, will take on Portugal’s Joao Sousa next.

Muguruza’s middling form this season saw her arrive in Paris with just three wins on clay, but the Spaniard dispatched former Paris champion Schiavone 6-2, 6-4.

The fourth seed will meet Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit for a place in round three as Schiavone, who turns 37 in June, bid farewell to the tournament for possibly the final time.

Muguruza defeated Serena Williams to win her maiden Grand Slam a year ago, but the 23-year-old needs to return to the final to stay in the world’s top 10.

Canadian fifth seed Milos Raonic raced into round two with a routine 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Steve Darcis of Belgium.

Former US Open champion Marin Cilic and Belgian 10th seed David Goffin also progressed, but American 14th seed Jack Sock was blown away in three sets by towering Czech left-hander Jiri Vesely.

Jelena Jankovic’s 54th consecutive Grand Slam maiden draw appearance was a fleeting one as the three-time French Open semifinalist was consigned to another first-round exit by Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp. – AFP