PARIS — Roland Garros was abuzz as Rafa Nadal's belated first appearance at this year's French Open loomed but it was less celebrated Spaniard David Ferrer who was first in action on Tuesday, bustling through to the second round.
Defending champion Nadal, looking to shake off a confidence crisis and win a record-extending 10th title here, topped a Court Phillipe Chatrier program also featuring the man most likely to steal his crown, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams.
That trio own a combined 41 grand slam singles titles between them and while the day three schedule was heavily-loaded for those with tickets for the main showcourt, there was plenty of quality elsewhere around the grounds.