Federer storms into French Open 2nd round

Paris, May 31 (EFE).- Roger Federer on Monday made a victorious return to the grand slam stage as he marched past Denis Istomin into the French Open second round.

After a year of absence, the 20-time grand slam champion needed an hour and 33 minutes to beat the Uzbek player 6-2, 6- 4, 6-3

“It’s a great pleasure to return,” said Federer, who turns 40 in August.

The eighth seed fired 48 winners and overcame 20 unforced errors, compared to his rival’s 18 and 14, respectively.

Federer next will take on the winner of the match between Croatia’s Marin Cilic and France Arthur Rinderknech.

Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev defeated Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in an hour and 54 minutes to claim his first ever victory at Roland Garros.

For a place in the last 32, the world No. 2 will face US Tommy Paul, who beat Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 10-8 on Monday.

lmpg/smq/jt