27 May,2015 08:30 AM IST | | Agencies
Nine-time French Open champion began his campaign with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over World No 296 Quentin Halys yesterday; It was a brutal, quickfire demolition of the 18-year-old Frenchman
Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating France's Quentin Halys during the first round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday
Paris: Rafael Nadal began his campaign for a 10th French Open with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over World No 296 Quentin Halys yesterday. It was a brutal, quickfire demolition of the 18-year-old Frenchman.
Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating France's Quentin Halys during the first round of the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris yesterday. Pic/AFP
Nadal, seeded a humble six this year - his lowest for a decade - needed just one hour and 50 minutes to record his 67th career win at Roland Garros.
Halys, making his Grand Slam debut, was broken five times and made 52 unforced errors. Nadal will face either compatriot Nicolas Almagro or Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov for a place in the last 32.
'Halys was aggressive'
"He was aggressive and took risks. This is the way of modern players. They hit the ball stronger and quicker because they go for winners all the time. But that means there are more mistakes," said Nadal. "I played well. I changed direction with my forehands down the line.
After the first three games I was moving better. I have had ups and downs this season. I am trying to avoid that happening here. But I am here to play well and compete. That is my mentality and the goal is always the same."
