PARIS — Fifth-seeded Milos Raonic is safely through to the second round of the French Open after sweeping past Steve Darcis of Belgium in straight sets.
The Canadian took just 92 minutes to beat the 38th-ranked Darcis 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 — taking the final game to love.
"I was able to break relatively early in all three sets, and just go about my business throughout the whole match. So I'm happy with that," Raonoic said.
In women's action, Montreal's Francoise Abanda opened with a 6-3, 6-4 win over France's Tessah Andrianjafitrimo.
Raonic's big serve was in full effect as he fired 15 aces to Darcis's three. Raonic won 88 per cent of his first service points, compared to 65 per cent for Darics.
The 26-year-old put the match away with a dominant third set. He broke Darcis in the first game to set the tone, then fired an ace to pen the decisive eighth game before closing with a forehand winner.
"It's good to start off well, but he's sort of the guy who gives me some kind of looks," Raonic said. "I could always get my racket on his serve, I took care of my serve, and I think in general it was just a good matchup for me."
Raonic, who grew up in Thornhill, Ont., will next play Rogerio Dutra Silva of Brazil.
Abanda, who entered the main draw through qualifying, had three aces and converted 4-of-8 break point opportunities in her win over Andrianjafitrimo.
Abanda will next face 11th seed and former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark.
The Canadian Press