Ruud makes winning start to French Open title bid

Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, defeated Brazilian qualifier Felipe Alves in straight sets on Tuesday, launching a renewed bid for his first title in Paris.

Fresh off his win in Geneva last week, the world number seven and three-time Grand Slam finalist looked confident on the Paris clay, serving nearly 90% first serves as he breezed past the Brazilian in under two hours.

In the second round, he will compete against either Monaco's Valentin Vacherot or Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

"This is one of the biggest tournaments for me and for everyone every year. One of my highlights," Ruud said.

"I’m always looking forward to it. The last two years have given me so much here in Paris. I hope I can make it another good year."

"I think it's been a good clay season for me. Madrid and Rome could’ve gone a bit better. It wasn’t what I hoped for. But other results went well. All in all I’m happy."

Ruud, a losing finalist in the previous two French Opens, earned three break points at 3-2 and another on the Brazilian's next service game before snatching a break on his seventh opportunity to lead 5-3 and win the first set.

Alves had matched Ruud's power game for about an hour, but mistakes began to pile up as Ruud did not give up a single break point in the second set.

Another early break in the third put Ruud firmly in command, and the 25-year-old cruised to a 6-3 6-4 6-3 victory in under two hours.

SportsLigue