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French Open 2019: Rafael Nadal beats German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in first round

Defending champion Rafael Nadal beat German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets to reach the French Open second round.

The second seed, chasing a record-extending 12th Roland Garros title, beat the world number 180 6-2 6-1 6-3.

After saving four break points in the first game, 17-time Grand Slam winner Nadal dominated throughout.

The 32-year-old won his first title since August at the Italian Open earlier in May.

Nadal will face German qualifier Yannick Maden in the second round.

Despite dominating clay-court tournaments in the build-up to the French Open in previous years, the win in Rome was Nadal's only 2019 final on the red dirt.