Rafa Nadal returned to one of his favourite hunting grounds to thrash Frenchman Lucas Pouille at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday (April 15) as his build-up to the French Open began.
The Spaniard, who will be looking for a 10th Roland Garros title next month, enjoyed a 6-2 6-1 second-round victory.
Nadal, who has struggled for his best form so far this year after battling a wrist injury and appendicitis last year, was totally dominant, converted four of his seven break points and won 75 percent of his service points.
He is bidding for his second claycourt title of the year after claiming the trophy in Buenos Aires and is trying to reclaim the Monte Carlo crown after Novak Djokovic and Stanislas Wawrinka won the last two editions.
The world number five, who has ruled in Monte Carlo a record eight times, will next face either American 15th seed John Isner or Serbian Viktor Troicki in the third round.
Nadal, who has struggled for his best form so far this year after battling a wrist injury and appendicitis last year, was totally dominant, converted four of his seven break points and won 75 percent of his service points.
He is bidding for his second claycourt title of the year after claiming the trophy in Buenos Aires and trying to reclaim the Monte Carlo crown after Novak Djokovic and Stanislas Wawrinka won the last two editions.
“I don’t know how many unforced errors I made during the whole match, but for sure almost none,” said Nadal.
“I played with the right mentality, the right concentration. I didn’t make consecutive mistakes. That’s something that happened the last couple months with me.”