Spaniard strolls through in less than two hours
Last Updated: May 29, 2012 5:15pm
Rafael Nadal: six times the French Open champion
Sky Bet
Defending champion Rafael Nadal began his campaign for a record seventh French Open title by crushing Italian Simone Bolelli 6-2 6-2 6-1 in the first round.
The second seed, who has only lost one match at Roland Garros since his debut in 2005, dismissed the world number 111 in just under two hours on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Nadal made 18 unforced errors, compared to 38 from his rival, as he improved his Roland Garros record to a remarkable 46 wins from 47 matches.
The Spaniard raced to a 6-2 4-0 lead and although Bolelli pulled a break back when his opponent double-faulted, that was as good as it got for the Italian.
Nadal, who will next face Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin, ended Bolelli's ordeal on his first match point. Istomin crushed Russian Igor Kunitsyn 6-2 6-1 6-2.
"All matches are always difficult - the more so here, as you are a bit more nervous," said the Mallorcan, who is bidding to join Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver on 11 Grand Slam singles titles.
"It's not easy to get your bearings right off as the court is big and it's difficult out there, but I'm always happy to play here - it's an incredible feeling."
Spanish sixth seed David Ferrer dismissed Slovakia's Lukas Lacko 6-3 6-4 6-1 as he bears down on a potential quarter-final clash with Andy Murray.
Next up for Ferrer is France's Benoit Paire, who saw off Albert Ramos of Spain in four sets.
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