Defending champion Novak Djokovic booked a place in the second round at the French Open with a comfortable victory over Spain’s Marcel Granollers, and Rafael Nadal impressed in his first-round victory at Roland Garros.
Djokovic progressed 6-3 6-4 6-2 in Paris and will next face Portugal’s Joao Sousa, who defeated Janko Tipsarevic 4-6 7-6 6-2 6-2.
Victory for the 12-time major winner was the perfect way to mark his 50th successive Grand Slam appearance but the world No 2 will need to improve if he is to defend his Roland Garros title.
“Andre [Agassi] has left already. He’s waiting for me for a serious talk,” joked the 30-year-old after beating Granollers for the fourth time.
Djokovic dropped serve four times and required nine set points to claim the second set, but can celebrate a victory in his first match under the tutelage of Andre Agassi.
Djokovic, trying to become the first man in the Open era to win all four majors on at least two occasions, won the contest on Court Philippe Chatrier after two and a half hours.
“It’s great to have Andre Agassi as coach and as a mentor. I will try to learn as much as I can from him,” added Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal followed Djokovic into the second round as he targets his 10th French Open title with a convincing 6-1 6-4 6-1 victory over France’s Benoit Paire.
After breezing through the first set winning five games in a row, things became more difficult for Nadal in the second set against Paire who threatened to break serve but the Spaniard held firm.
Paire led 3-1 and had chances to move 5-3 ahead in a competitive second set but could not take them before Nadal upped his level and completed a confidence-boosting win against an increasingly deflated Paire.
Nadal, a 14-time Grand slam winner, will meet Dutchman Robin Haase in the second round.
“I’m very happy to be back here after what happened last year. It’s great to feel the support,” said the Spanish 14-time major champion.
