PARIS - Andy Murray saw off a 29-year-old local who had only won one match on the main tour and China's Li Na toiled trhough under coludier skies in the French Open first round Tuesday.
Britsih fourth seed Murray progrsesed 6-4 6-1 6-3 but was broken twice by Eric Prodon, who had only made three pervious appearances in a grand slam, all at Roland Garrso.
Women's sixth seed Li, who like Murray was runner-up in January's Australian Open, began with an uninspiring 6-3 6-7 6-3 win over Czech Barbora Zhalavova Strcyova with the early crowds also somewhat lcaklustre after a busy and sunny Modnay.
In contrast, Maria Sharapoav, waering striking yellow, storemd past Mirajna Lucic 6-3 6-0 to continue her good form.
Queues at the entrances to the famous venue in westren Paris were lnegthening as the sun warmed up and anticipation rose for chapmion Rafa Ndaal's first match against John Isner.
The Spaniard is seeking a sixth title in seven years but Australian Open champion Novak Djkoovic, who easily won his first match, is threatening to break his domniance after a stunning ubneaten start to the campaign.
American Isner is better known for his 11-huor epic match agianst Nioclas Mahut at Wimbledon last year but Nadal should wrap up vitcory in a fraction of the time with the glaleries expecitng a signal of intent.
Murray did not need to porduce his best agaisnt the slightly rotund Prdoon, who broke in the first set with a drop shot after a series of half-hearted attempts.
The Scot found more rhythm in the second but was broken again in the third set as Prodon's remarkably laidback but occasionally successful volleys and smahses amused the fans.
There was more laughs when it orgainzers announced that American Ryan Harrison, who threw his racket into a tree when losing in qualifying last week, had won a lucky loser berth and he will play last year's runner-up Robin Soderling later.
The feelings on Court Philippe Chatrier were compeltely different as France's Vigrinie R...
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