Back to the Tennis Newsfeed

Easy Start for Rafael Nadal at French Open

PARIS — On his return to center court, nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal enjoyed a quiet Tuesday afternoon.

Facing 18-year-old French wild-card entry Quentin Halys, the Spaniard was never really tested, progressing to the second round with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over his 296th-ranked opponent.

Nadal, who lost his only match on the Parisian dirt when he was taken out by Robin Soderling in the fourth round in 2009, extended his impressive record at Roland Garros to 67-1.

Although he dropped his serve once in the opening set, Nadal stayed in control until the final point.