"This year is as special as every one at Roland Garros" - Nadal on unique atmosphere following first round round at French Open

World No.2 Rafael Nadal began his title defense at Roland Garros with an easy 6-4 6-4 6-2 victory over Egor Gerasimov, advancing to the second round after two hours and five minutes.

The Spaniard is looking to win his 13th Roland Garros crown, while also equaling Roger Federer's Grand Slam tally with 20 singles titles. With the French Open being played in September as opposed to May due to the ongoing pandemic, conditions are a little different but this hasn't deterred the second seed.

“It is a different Roland Garros. Totally different than we are used to… But for me this year is as special as every one at Roland Garros,” Nadal said on court. “I am going to keep trying my best. I am happy to be in the second round [after] a good start and now is the moment to go back to the hotel, have a good practice tomorrow and try to be ready for the second round.”  

The Spaniard is also bidding to become the first man to win 100 matches at the event, as he currently sits at 94 wins out of 96 appearances.

"The only thing that I can guarantee is I'm going to be here [and] try my best every single day fighting, and trying to give to the people my best every single day," Nadal said. "In some ways sport helps the people."

Having lost to Diego Schwartzman in Rome two weeks ago, this is Nadal's second tournament following the resumption of the ATP Tour.

"I played quite a solid match when I was serving. I was playing some good points. I did some good forehands, winners down the line. That's a key shot for me. And then I had to play a little bit [deeper]. I played sometimes too short," Nadal said. "But in general terms, that's a normal first match of Roland Garros. Coming with the situation that I am coming, I am happy, honestly. I did the things that I had to do. I didn't expect much more. I didn't expect less, too."

Nadal faces Mackenzie McDonald in the second round, as the American defeated Canadian qualifier Steven Diez 4-6 6-3 6-3 6-4 in two hours and 48 minutes.