Casper Ruud followed up his French Open final a year ago against Rafael Nadal with a runaway 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 win on Tuesday to start his current campaign.
The fourth-seeded Norwegian inflicted his game on an opponent from longtime rival Sweden, defeating Mikael Yymer in just over two hours with 28 winners.
“This was my first match since one of the best tournaments of my life here last year,” the winner said.
“I was a bit nervous at the start trying to defend what I did in 2022.
“I was tight but after I won the first set I loosened up and felt a little better.
“I’m very happy to go through in three sets.”
Ruud’s win over qualifier Ymer marked his 82nd victory on clay since the start of 2020 – the most on the ATP.
Main photo:- Casper Ruud winning first round match today by ATPTour.com
