Paris (AFP) – Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal stormed into the French Open second round on Tuesday with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 mauling of Australia’s Sam Groth.
Nadal, the fourth seed, took his overall record in Paris to 71 wins against just two losses.
The Spaniard needed only 80 minutes to see off the big-serving Groth, committing just two unforced errors in the process.
He next faces either Facundo Bagnis of Argentina or French qualifier Kenny de Schepper.