Miffed by a line call in his first match as French Open defending champion, Federer quickly regrouped to win the opening set two points later and then went on to beat Peter Luczak 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 on Monday.
Fourth-seeded Andy Murray of Britain had a more difficult time, rallying to beat Richard Gasquet of France 4-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-2, 6-1.
The top-ranked Federer committed only 11 unforced errors, lost just 14 of 64 points on his serve and faced only one break point.
"It's always important coming back as defending champion trying to get off to a good start," he said. "It was like a perfect match to get off the French Open campaign, really."
This is only the second time in nine years that Federer arrived in Paris without a title during the clay season. But the 16-time Grand Slam champion showed no signs of vulnerability against Luczak, an Australian who fell to 0-4 in French Open matches.
Although Federer won at Roland Garros a year ago to complete a career Grand Slam, the role of favorite again goes to four-time champion Rafael Nadal. They could meet in the final.
"I hope I'll be playing the finals," Federer said. "If it's him, it's perfect." .... read more
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