Flawless Nadal races into French Open 2nd round after beating Sam Groth

Rafael Nadal started his quest for a record-breaking 10th French Open title in merciless fashion, demolishing Australian Sam Groth 6-1 6-1 6-1.

Rafael Nadal started his quest for a record-breaking 10th French Open title in merciless fashion, demolishing Australian Sam Groth 6-1 6-1 6-1 on Tuesday.

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball during his French Open 1st round match. (Reuters Photo)

The fourth-seeded Spaniard, who will play either Argentine Facundo Bagnis or French qualifier Kenny de Schepper in the second round, played flawless tennis throughout, making only three unforced errors in a one-sided match.

Nadal, who turns 30 next week, has won two titles on clay this season, including the Monte Carlo Masters in April.

He ended his opponent’s misery with a trademark crosscourt forehand winner on his second match point on Court Suzanne Lenglen.