Novak Djokovic enjoyed one of the more straightforward victories of his six-month unbeaten run as he saw off Thiemo de Bakker in the opening round of the French Open. The Serbian, who turned 24 on Sunday, needed just one hour and 32 minutes to defeat Dutchman De Bakker 6-2 6-1 6-3 and extend his winning streak to 40 matches.
Third seed Roger Federer followed Djokovic onto the stadium court and was similarly impressive as he swept past Spain's Feliciano Lopez 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3).
A former star of the junior circuit, the now 22-year-old De Bakker has struggled to make an impact at the top of the game and there is no sterner test right now than facing Djokovic.
The world number two is the man of the moment and his arrival on Court Philippe Chatrier prompted the first real buzz of excitement at Roland Garros this year.
An immediate break of serve by Djokovic set the tone as his crisp hitting was just too consistent for De Bakker, and a cross-court forehand winner half an hour later delivered the first set.
Roger Federer serves in Paris Federer sealed victory with an ace in the third set tie-breaker
The earlier buzz had descended to a low hum of distracted chat among the spectators by the middle of the second set as Djokovic set about demolishing the world number 71.
De Bakker smacked a ball high into the air in mock celebration after battling desperately to a service hold early in the third set but he was already a break down, and Djokovic showed no mercy as he saw out a victory that will have taken little out of him.
"It was a great first match for me," Djokovic said. "I was being very cautious because I knew that de Bakker has quality, a good serve, and he can play well on the clay courts.
"Obviously, Roland Garros has a bit faster clay courts so it's more suited to his style of game. I was serving really, really well and being very aggressive, using every opportunity to step into the court. I was quite in control of the match."
Asked about the attention his winning run has created, Djokovic added: "Pressure is always there. Over the years you learn how to deal with it.
"I know there is a lot of expectation because of the streak I have but I'm really happy with the way I'm handling things right now on and off the court."
Monday's dry conditions and the introduction this year of new, apparently faster, balls should all work in Djokovic's favour as he targets a first French Open title - and he currently looks capable of playing through just about anything no matter what the obstacles.
Federer has been enduring a far patchier year and was widely expected to face a more testing start to his campaign against world number 41 Lopez, who had been two points from victory against Federer in Madrid recently.
The Swiss remains a powerful force in Grand Slams, however, and after making the first breakthrough in game seven he controlled proceedings.
A narrow third set suggested Lopez might be able to extend matters but a double fault in the tie-break handed Federer three match points and the 29-year-old sealed it with an ace.
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