(AP) Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal begun his Roland Garros campaign with 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Sam Groth in 80 minutes on Suzanne-Lenglen Court on Tuesday. He played flawless tennis throughout, making only three unforced errors in a one-sided match.
Rafa ended his opponent’s misery with a trademark crosscourt forehand winner on his second match point.
After the match, Rafa said:
It’s obvious that this was a good start for me. The most important thing I had to do was return well, and then play without too many mistakes. It’s obvious that this opponent plays better on faster surfaces. In general I played a solid match. Feeling the support of the crowd was is always special for me here, so thank you to them for that.
Our champ next faces either Facundo Bagnis of Argentina or French qualifier Kenny de Schepper.
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: A detailed view as Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain makes his way onto the court prior to the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
during the ***** Singles first round match against ***** on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France.
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a backhand during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: A detailed view as Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
during the ***** Singles first round match against ***** on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France.
during the ***** Singles first round match against ***** on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France.
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 24: Rafael Nadal of Spain celbrates following his victory during the Men’s Singles first round match against Sam Groth of Australia on day three of the 2016 French Open at Roland Garros on May 24, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal smiles after defeating Australia’s Sam Groth of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, Tuesday, May 24, 2016 in Paris. Nadal won 6-1, 6-1, 6-21. (AP Photo/David Vincent)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal waves after defeating Australia’s Sam Groth of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, Tuesday, May 24, 2016 in Paris. Nadal won 6-1, 6-1, 6-21. (AP Photo/David Vincent)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal waves after defeating Australia’s Sam Groth of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, Tuesday, May 24, 2016 in Paris. Nadal won 6-1, 6-1, 6-21. (AP Photo/David Vincent)
Elaine rafas match on thursday is 1pm french time