2017 Rome Masters champion Alexander Zverev kicked off with a 6-0, 6-4 win over Aleksandar Vukic to power ahead to the third round on Friday.
The German who is trying to recover from indifferent form with Roland Garros starting in just over a fortnight, spent a brief 81 minutes in summery conditions on the clay of the Foro Italico.
Victory over the Australian was the 23rd win this season for the 27-year-old.
Zverev finished on his first match point, a forehand winner down the line.
“I hope this is just a start,” the winner said. “I want to play a good tournament, win a lot of matches and go deep.
“I want the chance to win.”
Zverev was pleased with his opening effort: “I came out firing and I’m happy about today.
“I may be a former champion but I know I need to find my game and focus on myself.
“I can lose to anyone but when I find my rhythm I can beat anyone also.”
