PARIS: (Reuters) – Roger Federer barely broke sweat as he eased into the second round of the French Open with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win against Slovakian Lukas Lacko on Sunday.
The fourth seed, chasing a second Roland Garros trophy and a record-extending 18th grand slam title, produced some fine attacking tennis in an 84-minute master class.
Swiss Federer, who claimed his last grand slam title at Wimbledon in 2012, won a lot of quick points thanks to thumping backhands and whipping forehands on court Philippe Chatrier.
He will next face Portuguese Gastao Elias or Argentine Diego Sebastian Schwartzman.
Somdev out in four sets
Meanwhile, Somdev Devvarman suffered a first round defeat to Aleksandr Nedovyesov after winning the first set.
Nedovyesov won 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3.
Other winners in the men’s singles were Milos Raonic, Mikhail Youzhny (who had to battle from two sets down), Tomas Berdych, Jo-wilfried Tsonga and John Isner. No seeds had fallen at the time of going to press.
Among the women, Agnieszka Radwanska defeated Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-0, while Daniela Hantuchova, Venus and Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber also advanced to the second round. (Reuters)
