French Open 2019: Zhang Shuai, Nadal, Djokovic ease into second round

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Chinese tennis player Zhang Shuai whitewashed Varvara Lepchenko of the United States 6-1, 6-1 to reach the second round of the French Open on Monday.

Zhang failed in the first round on consecutive occasions in recent clay tournaments, while overwhelming her American opponent in 52 minutes thanks to her dominance on the first and second serve.

Zhang won 81 percent on the first serve, 41 percent over Lepchenko. She also bettered her rival by 40 percent on the second serve.

Zhang utilized two early breaks to take away five games in a row en route to a 6-1 opening set win.

The 50th-ranked Chinese never looked back in the second set with another 6-1.

"I have won quite easily in our recent clashes due to our similar game styles," said Zhang, adding that the one-sided win should not be exaggerated about her current form.

Zhang Shuai will take on her former doubles partner Kaia Kanepi in the second round. /VCG Photo

For Zhang, recent sluggishness on clay didn't inflict much pressure on her.

"I just played to my level on clay. Actually, it's because my opponents are quite strong on the surface," Zhang explained.

"Even if I failed, it would still be a good experience. It's important to learn about your weak points through consecutive losses," she added.

Zhang will take on Estonian veteran Kaia Kanepi, her former doubles partner several years ago, in the second round.

"I know her quite well. She is strong on clay. No matter where she is ranked, I need to focus on myself for every point," Zhang noted.

Nadal, Djokovic cruise through

Nadal, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, set up a clash with German qualifier -- world number 114 Yannick Maden -- in round two.

Nadal had suffered three consecutive semi-final defeats earlier in the clay-court season but appeared to find his best in an Italian Open title success sealed with victory over old rival Djokovic, while his French Open win-loss record now reads 87-2.

Nadal dominates the match and will face German qualifier Yannick Maden in the second round. /VCG Photo

"It's always amazing to play here... It's been an important place in my career," the second seed said.

"I played a good tournament in Rome which was very important for my confidence. Now we'll see."

The 32-year-old Nadal raced into a 3-0 lead in the opening set against Yannick Hanfmann before the second break of serve in the eighth game sealed it after just 40 minutes.

The second set was over in a flash as Nadal crushed nine winners past the beleaguered Hanfmann.

The winning line honed into view when Nadal broke after a lengthy game to take a 2-1 advantage in the third, and the Spaniard completed the job on his first match point as world number 184 Hanfmann blasted long.

Djokovic laid down an early marker in his bid to hold all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously for the second time, powering past Polish youngster Hubert Hurkacz.

The 15-time major champion impressed in a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 triumph and will face Swiss lucky loser Henri Laaksonen in round two.

"I put myself in a situation where I can actually make a history of tennis again and obviously I have very high ambitions for this tournament," said the top seed.

World number one Djokovic looks to hold all four Grand Slam titles for the second time after easing into the second round at the French Open on Monday. /VCG Photo

Twelve months ago, Djokovic dropped out of the world's top 20 after a shock quarter-final loss to Marco Cecchinato and even pondered skipping Wimbledon, but he has instead reclaimed his place at the top of the game.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka progressed with a 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-2, 6-3 win over Slovakian Jozef Kovalik.

Last year's runner-up and fourth seed Dominic Thiem recovered from 4-0 down in a third-set tie-break against American Tommy Paul to win 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.

Wozniacki seems frustrated as she is dumped out by world number 68 Kudermetova in the first round. /VCG Photo

In the women's event, former world number one Caroline Wozniacki collapsed to a 0-6, 6-3, 6-3 loss to Russian world number 68 Veronika Kudermetova in the first round.

"I think she got very lucky at the start of the second set and took advantage of the opportunities she got," said Wozniacki.

Sixth seed and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was forced to pull out before her scheduled opener against Sorana Cirstea with a left arm injury but said she should be fit for Wimbledon, which starts on July 1.

Dutch fourth seed Kiki Bertens looked in fine fettle, though, beating home player Pauline Parmentier 6-3, 6-4.

(With inputs from Xinhua, AFP)