Sharapova, Djokovic, Nadal Claim Easy Wins in Roland Garros Opener

Maria Sharapova swept aside Ksenia Pervak in straight sets to move into the second round of the French Open.

The 2012 champion beat her fellow Russian 6-1 6-2 in the first match on Court Philippe Chatrier on the second day at Roland Garros.

Seventh seed Sharapova dealt with some few problems on her way to seeing off Pervak after play began over an hour late because of rain.

Maria Sharapova Beats Compatriot Ksenia Pervak to Reach French Open Second Round.
Maria Sharapova Beats Compatriot Ksenia Pervak to Reach French Open Second Round.

“It’s always nice to get out there on a day like this,” said Sharapova. “It’s good to play the first match.”

Novak Djokovic dominated his Portuguese opponent Joao Sousa to reach the second round.

The world number two, who is yet to lift the ‘Coupe des Mousquetaires’, beat his Portuguese opponent 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in an ohour and 50 minutes to set up a meeting with France’s Jeremy Chardy.

“I’m in good form and hopefully I can use that against Chardy,” the six-time Grand Slam winner said on his second round opponent.

Defending champions Rafael Nadal eased into the second round with a 6-0, 6-3, 6-0 win over Robby Ginepri (ranked 279) of the USA.

Spanish 17th seed Tommy Robredo overcame Britain’s James Ward in a rain-interrupted contest.

The 27-year-old debutante, ranked 168th in the world, could not build on his high-quality first set play, only to lose 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4, on return from a 50-minute rain delay.

The surprise loss of Day Two was Japan’s ninth seed Kei Nishikori losing in straight sets to Slovakian Martin Klizan.

It is the first time in four attempts Nishikori has failed to progress to the second round of the Roland Garros, while Klizan make the round of 64 for only the second time in his career.

Court Philippe Chatrier

M Sharapova (Rus) [7] beat K Pervak (Rus) 6-1 6-2

N Djokovic (Srb) [2] beat J Sousa (Por) 6-1 6-2 6-4

A Cornet (Fra) [20] v A Barty (Aus)

S Wawrinka (Sui) [3] v G Garcia-Lopez (Spa)

Court Suzanne Lenglen

D Cibulkova (Svk) [9] beat V Razzano (Fra) 7-5 6-0

G Simon (Fra) [29] beat A Pavic (Cro) 6-1 6-1 6-3

R Nadal (Spa) (1) beat R Ginepri 6-0, 6-3, 6-0

P Kvitova (Cze) [5] v Z Diyas (Kaz)

Outside courts – selected results

M Klizan (Svk) beat K Nishikori (Jpn) [9] 7-6 6-1 6-2

T Kamke (Ger) beat M Mecir Jr (Svk) 7-5 7-6 7-6