PARIS: Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal stormed into the French Open second round on Tuesday with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 mauling of Australia’s Sam Groth.
Nadal, the fourth seed, took his overall record in Paris to 71 wins against just two losses.
The Spaniard needed only 80 minutes to see off the big-serving Groth, as the former committed just two unforced errors in the process.
He next faces either Facundo Bagnis of Argentina or French qualifier Kenny de Schepper.
Nadal, who turns 30 next week, has won two titles on clay this season, including the Monte Carlo Masters in April.
He ended his opponent’s misery with a trademark crosscourt forehand winner on his second match point on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
