Rafael Nadal breezes past Sam Groth at Roland Garros

Omnisports

May 23, 2016 11:07 PM

Sam Groth was unable to offer any sort of challenge to Rafael Nadal as the nine-time champion sauntered into round two at Roland Garros.

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Rafael Nadal began his pursuit of a 10th French Open title on Tuesday with the most straightforward of victories over Sam Groth.

The 'King of Clay' has looked back to something like his best on his favoured surface in 2016 and exerted complete control over an opponent far less suited to conditions at Roland Garros.

World number 100 Groth possesses a fearsome serve , which helped him take a set off Roger Federer at Wimbledon last year, yet Nadal was able to break with almost embarrassing ease as he coasted to a 6-1 6-1 6-1 success on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

The Spaniard made just three unforced errors, his polished display offering a sharp contrast to the performance of Groth, whose relative lack of mobility was cruelly exposed.

Sterner tests clearly lie ahead for Nadal, who faces either Facundo Bagnis or Kenny De Schepper in round two, but the fourth seed could hardly have looked more impressive in his opening match.

Groth was simply outclassed, although the Australian refused to give up and did at least raise cheers when he held serve to get on the board from 0-4 down in the third set, having lost the previous nine games.

A bigger roar followed in the next game as Nadal produced the undoubted shot of the day to illustrate his dominance, a stunning between-the-legs winner down the line.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Nadal [4] bt Groth 6-1 6-1 6-1

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Nadal - 25/3

Groth - 18/28

ACES

Nadal - 1

Groth - 10

BREAK POINTS WON

Nadal - 7/13

Groth - 0/0

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Nadal - 84

Groth - 58

PERCENTAGE POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Nadal - 90/86

Groth - 57/21

TOTAL POINTS

Nadal - 87

Groth - 38

Omnisports

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