Federer beats Devvarman to advance

Roger Federer easily outlasted qualifier Somdev Devvarman in the second round of the French Open, winning 6- 2, 6- 1, 6- 1 Wednesday to advance to the third round.

PARIS >> Roger Federer walked onto Court Suzanne Lenglen, smiled when greeted with applause and looked up into the stands, where three youngsters waved a banner that read, “Roger 4 Ever.”

Forever? Probably not, but Federer easily outlasted qualifier Somdev Devvarman in the second round of the French Open, winning 6- 2, 6- 1, 6- 1 Wednesday.

As a sign of his staying power, Federer moved ahead of Budge Patty into third place on the men’s list for match victories at Roland Garros with 56. Guillermo Vilas and Nicola Pietrangeli share the record of 58.

Seeded second behind Novak Djokovic, Federer has yet to win a tournament this year, the first time he has arrived at Roland Garros without a title since 2000.

But he’s rested and healthy, and his vast repertoire of shots was on full display against the overmatched Devvarman, who is ranked 188th and now 0- 9 against top- 10 players.

Federer glided across the clay, hitting winners from all over the court — even beyond the alleys — and looking at ease on a surface that once vexed him.

When he finally took the Roland Garros title in 2009, Federer completed a career Grand Slam and tied Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major titles.

Federer now seeks a record 18th major title, and his first since Wimbledon last year. Through two matches, both against qualifiers, he has lost only 11 games.

American Sam Querrey, seeded 18th, reached the third round at Roland Garros for the first time by sweeping Jan Hajek 6- 4, 7- 5, 6- 4.

Jamie Hampton earned her first career French Open victory, an upset of No. 25 Lucie Safarova 7- 6 ( 5), 3- 6, 9- 7, as American women went 10- 5 in the first round. Hampton hit seven aces and overcame 50 unforced errors to outlast Safarova in the 21/2- hour match.

Also part of the resurgence in U. S. fortunes was No. 29 Varvara Lepchenko, who reached the third round by whacking 22 forehand winners to defeat Elina Svitolina 7- 6 ( 5), 6- 1.