Federer Beats Russell 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to Move into Second Round at French Open

May 29, 10:05 AM

Current Headlines: By CHRIS LEHOURITES

PARIS (AP) - Roger Federer passed his first test at the French Open, beating American Michael Russell 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 Tuesday in a match that started a day earlier.

Federer, who is bidding for a fourth straight major title and a career Grand Slam, led 6-4, 4-1 before rain halted play Monday. The top-ranked Swiss star returned to centre court with sun breaking through the clouds Tuesday and quickly earned his spot in the second round.

"Winning in three sets, it's the perfect beginning," Federer said. "Over two days, it's always difficult, with the wind and the changing conditions compared to yesterday. And I didn't know this opponent. I'm really happy."

Federer didn't face a break point, winning 78 per cent of points on his serve.

"I served well," said Federer, a 10-time Grand Slam champion. "He didn't get much chance."

No. 19 Guillermo Canas of Argentina, who beat Federer twice this year, reached the second round by defeating Victor Hanescu of Romania 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. Canas served a 15-month ban for doping that ended in September.

Jelena Jankovic, one of the favourites heading into the French Open because of her win at the Italian Open earlier this month, advanced by beating Stephanie Foretz of France 6-2, 6-2.

The fourth-seeded Serb converted four of her five break points in the first set, and then broke her unseeded opponent three more times in the second.

"You don't play your best tennis in the first round," said Jankovic, who was broken twice in the first set. "It was a little bit slow and the balls were quite heavy."

The 22-year-old Jankovic, who is ranked fifth, pulled out of the semifinals of last week's clay-court event in Strasbourg because of gastroenteritis.

"I recovered well and I'm ready to play," Jankovic said.

Also, No. 6 Czech Nicole Vaidisova beat Emmanuelle Gagliardi of Switzerland 6-4, 6-3, 2004 runner-up Elena Dementieva defeated Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-3, 6-2, and No. 28 Mara Santangelo of Italy beat Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-1, 6-4. No. 11 Nadia Petrova of Russia lost to Kveta Peschke of Germany 7-5, 5-7, 6-0.

In men's play, No. 13 Russian Mikhail Youzhny advanced when Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic pulled out after only nine points in the first game of the match because of a back injury.

"I really wanted to play today, actually. But I have a little pain in my back, so one more day rest is good," said Youzhny, who has reached three finals this year. "After Hamburg, I only practiced, so I think one more day for my back is good."

No. 7 Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia beat France's Arnaud Clement 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (2), No. 9 Tommy Robredo of Spain defeated Sergio Roitman of Argentina 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, and No. 27 Jurgen Melzer of Austria beat Jose Acasuso of Argentina 6-4, 7-5, 6-4.

Ljubicic, who reached the semifinals at Roland Garros last year, had lost 15 of his 30 first-round matches at Grand Slam events.

Martin Verkerk of the Netherlands, a surprise finalist at Roland Garros in 2003, played in his first Grand Slam in almost three years but lost to Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

Verkerk, who has been slowed by a long-term shoulder injury, was cheered on by a loud group of orange-clad Dutch fans.

The first two days of the tournament were marked by rain. Only 14 matches were completed before Tuesday.