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.”
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…
Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…
Novak Djokovic returned to action after waiting tow days to play as the rain-hit Shanghai…