New Delhi: World No. 1 Roger Federer on Tuesday got off to a smooth start at the French Open with a straight sets win over America's Michael Russell at the Roland Garros.
Federer, who led 6-4 on Monday before his match was interrupted by rain, came back to wrap up the next two sets 6-2 and 6-4.
Federer was on court for an hour and 45 minutes and wasn't broken even once in the match by his 29-year-old opponent.
Federer will play Thierry Ascione of France in the second round.
No. 19 Guillermo Canas, who beat Federer twice this year, reached the second round by defeating Victor Hanescu of Romania 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. Canas served a 15-month ban for doping that ended in September.
Also, No. 6 Nicole Vaidisova beat Emmanuelle Gagliardi of Switzerland 6-4, 6-3, 2004 runner-up Elena Dementieva defeated Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-3, 6-2, and No. 28 Mara Santangelo of Italy beat Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-1, 6-4. No. 11 Nadia Petrova of Russia lost to Kveta Peschke of Germany 7-5, 5-7, 6-0.
Martin Verkerk of the Netherlands, a surprise finallist at Roland Garros in 2003, played in his first Grand Slam in almost three years but lost to Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.
Verkerk, who has been slowed by a long-term shoulder injury, was cheered on by a loud group of orange-clad Dutch fans.
Two-time defending champion Rafael Nadal was scheduled to play Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina in the late match on centre court.
Maria Sharapova and Amelie Mauresmo will play no earlier than Wednesday.
The first two days of the tournament were marked by rain. Only 14 matches were completed before Tuesday.
(With inputs from AP)
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