PARIS — Playing at the French Open as defending champion for the first time, Roger Federer gave tennis fans plenty to cheer about Monday, dipping into his considerable repertoire of shotmaking in a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 victory over 71st-ranked Peter Luczak of Australia.
With the end result far from in doubt, Federer turned the outing into a glorified practice session. He closed one extended exchange by slicing a backhand with so much spin that, after landing, the ball darted back toward the net, away from Luczak. Federer acknowledged the cheers by raising an index finger, lest somebody forget he’s No. 1.
“If it was anyone else, I’d be getting pretty angry,” said Luczak, who fell to 5-14 in Grand Slam matches.
Federer made only 11 unforced errors, won 50-of-64 points on his serve and faced one break point, which he saved.
“I was pretty relaxed,” said Federer, who can tie Pete Sampras’ record of 286 total weeks at No. 1 in the rankings June 7. “It was like a perfect match to get off the French Open campaign, really.”
The No. 1-ranked woman, Serena Williams, found little to smile about after beating Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland 7-6 (2), 6-2.
“I definitely didn’t feel good about it,” said Williams, who counts the 2002 French Open among her 12 major championships. “At least I won. I think I’m still in the tournament; that’s what matters.”
She compiled 10 aces, converted 3-of-3 break points and accumulated a 28-13 edge in winners. Asked what pleased her about her play, Williams replied, “Across the board, nothing, really, just to be honest.”
It was not the sort of afternoon for long outings, but some players just can’t seem to help themselves, such as No. 4 Andy Murray and former top-10 player Richard Gasquet. Gasquet started well, but Murray finished well and won 4-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-2, 6-1.
It took two days for Michael Yani to complete his French Open debut. The American qualifier lost to Lukas Lacko of Slovakia 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 12-10 in a marathon that began Sunday and finished Monday, covering 4 hours, 56 minutes of playing time. The 71 games equal the most in a singles match at the tournament since tiebreakers were instituted in 1973.
“Ridiculous,” Yani said.
At a glance
A look at the French Open on Monday:
Stat of the day: 3 — U.S. men into the second round, already one more than at last year’s French Open, with four more in first-round action today.
Men’s highlights: No. 1 Roger Federer, No. 3 Novak Djokovic, No. 4 Andy Murray advanced. No. 17 John Isner won his match, to join fellow Americans Taylor Dent and Mardy Fish in the second round.
Women’s highlights: No. 1 Serena Williams, No. 3 Caroline Wozniacki, No. 4 Jelena Jankovic and No. 5 Elena Dementieva advanced.
Quote of the day: “He just had me on a string and just (was) toying with me at the end. I think he was enjoying it.” — Peter Luczak, after losing to Federer.
On court today: MEN — No. 2 Rafael Nadal vs. Gianni Mina; No. 6 Andy Roddick vs. Jarkko Nieminen; No. 7 Fernando Verdasco vs. Igor Kunitsyn; WOMEN — No. 9 Dinara Safina vs. Kimiko Date Krumm; No. 12 Maria Sharapova vs. Ksenia Pervak; No. 22 Justine Henin vs. Tsvetana Pironkova.
Today’s TV: Tennis Channel — 3-10 a.m.; ESPN2 — 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
