Rafa Nadal into second round of French Open as quest for 10th title begins

Rafa Nadal eased into the second round of the French Open at Roland Garros with a straight sets win over French teenager Quentin Halys. 

The Spaniard, who is seeking his 10th French Open crown, secured his passage out of the first round in under two hours, advancing 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. 

"I am here to try and play good tennis as I try every year,’ Nadal said after the match in light of recent comments he is not in his best form on clay. 

"My mentality and my goal is the same always.

"It’s not easy to play against someone who tries to hit winners from everywhere.

"But my feelings have been good, I think I changed direction well with my forehand, good forehand down the line. I’m happy with the way I played."

Nadal finds himself in the same half of the draw as World No.1 Novak Djokovic, who also got off to a winning start on Tuesday.

The Serbian beat Jarkko Nieminen 6-2 7-5 6-2.