Nadal eases into Roland Garros 2nd round

Paris, May 23 (EFE).- Rafael Nadal on Monday began his quest for a record-extending 14th French Open title with a straight-set victory over Jordan Thompson.

The Spaniard’s nagging leg injury that marred his run at the Italian Open earlier this month did not seem to bother him as he stormed past the Australian 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 in just over two hours.

Next up for the so-called King of Clay will be French wildcard Corentin Moutet, who defeated the 2015 French Open champion Stan Wawrinka 2-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

Nadal, the fifth seed is hunting a record 22nd Grand Slam title after ending a three-way tie with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by claiming the Australian Open title earlier this year.

Tenth seed, Briton Cameron Norrie also made it to the second round at the expense of another French wildcard Manuel Guinard 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 to play Jason Kubler.

US Taylor Fritz, seeded No. 13, got the job done in five sets against qualifier Santiago Fa Rodriguez Taverna, unlike Reilly Opelka, the 17th seed, who lost to Filip Krajinovic in straight sets. EFE

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