Flawless Nadal races into French Open second round

The Spaniard will play either Facundo Bagnis or Kenny de Schepper in the second round

PARIS: Rafael Nadal started his quest for a record-breaking 10th French Open title in merciless fashion, demolishing Australian Sam Groth 6-1 6-1 6-1 on Tuesday.

The Spaniard, who will play either Argentine Facundo Bagnis or French qualifier Kenny de Schepper in the second round, played flawless tennis throughout, making only three unforced errors in a one-sided match.

Nadal, who turns 30 next week, has won two titles on clay this season, including the Monte Carlo Masters in April.



He ended his opponent's misery with a trademark crosscourt forehand winner on his second match point on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Murray battles into second round

Second seed Andy Murray completed his recovery from a two-set deficit against Czech veteran Radek Stepanek to advance to the French Open second round.

Trailing by two sets to one when play was suspended due to darkness on Monday, Murray returned to close out the fourth set before sealing a 3-6, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, 7-5 victory over his 37-year-old opponent.



Murray, a three-time Roland Garros semi-finalist, will play 164th-ranked French wildcard Mathias Bourgue for a place in the last 32.