Rafael Nadal dominates Yannick Hanfmann to win the 1st round of the French Open

Rafael Nadal beats Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets to start his campaign for his 12^th French Open title in style.

Hanfmann started well in the first game of the match and Nadal had to do some work to save it. The world no.2 saved 4 break points in the game lasting nearly 10 minutes. Nadal came back stronger in the second game to break the German’s serve and lead the first set 2-0. Nadal again broke the 8^th game of the first set to win it 6-2.

In the opening game of the 2^nd set, Nadal dominated with some big serves to lead 1-0. The Spaniard then broke the serve of the German in the next game to lead the set 2-0. The world no.2 again got a break in the 6^th game (5-1) and then held on his serve to win the second set 6-1.

Nadal got a break in the 3^rd game of the 3^rd set after a good bit of resistance from the German (2-1). He broke again in the 9^th game to win the set 6-3.

Nadal won the match 6-2 6-1 6-3 in 1 hour 57 minutes.

Nadal dominated the whole match except in the first game of the first set where he had to save 4 break points. Clay is Nadal’s favourite surface though he has not done particularly well on the surface this season with the exception of winning the Italian Open.

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