Nadal's quest for 12th title begins with commanding win 27/05/2019

Rafael Nadal started his quest for a 12th French Open title with a straight sets dismantling of Germany's Yannick Hanfmann at Roland Garros.



The Spaniard produced a typically ruthless display in the 6-2 6-1 6-3 win, although he had to swat away four break points in his opening service game. The win takes his record in Paris to 87-2.



On paper, it seems Nadal will face little resistance until the semi-finals, with seventh seed Kei Nishikori the biggest threat in his quarter.



Roger Federer, who marked his return to the tournament with victory on Sunday, could await in the last four ??� although it remains to be seen whether he can cope with the demands of best-of-five on clay.



Another German, Yannick Maden, awaits Nadal in the second round.