Defending champions Rafael Nadal progressed to the second round of the 2013 French Open after defeating Daniel Brands in his first game of the competition. The German started on a positive note after winning the first set in just over an hour and came close to winning the second set, before the Spaniard won the set.

Rafael Nadal
Reuters

The world No 3 won the game 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 and 6-3 at the Court Philippe Chatrier. Nadal will now face Martin Klizan in the second round. The Slovakian progressed to the next round after his first round opponent Michael Russell retired from the game.

"Sometimes, when you feel you are hitting not a bad shot and every time comes back a bomb and a winner from the beginning, sometimes that's frustrating. At two sets to love, I don't say that I wouldn't have a chance, because I always hope that there is a chance and I will keep fighting. But you have to play under a lot of pressure the rest of the match," Nadal said.

Meanwhile, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga progressed to the second round after defeating Aljaz Bedene in straight sets. The upset of the second day was between the Gael Monfils and world No 5 Tomas Berdych in the centre court as the game was decided in the fifth set, with Monfils winning the tie 7-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 7-5.

Richard Gasquet, Nicolas Almagro and Marcel Granollers all progressed to the second round after winning the respective first round fixtures.

Women's Singles

Maria Sharapova
Reuters

Meanwhile, defending Women's champion Maria Sharapova comfortably qualified for the next round of the competition after defeating Su-Wei Hsieh in straight sets at the Court Suzanne Lenglen. The Russian has now set her eyes on defending the title by winning the Women's single for the second year in a row.

"It's very meaningful to come back as defending champion. It means you have done something pretty good, and you're coming back to try to defend it. I think it's one of the best honours you can have as a tennis player. Of course, there's always a bit of pressure coming back. But the draw looks good," Sharapova explained.

World No 1 Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska and Na Li have all made it to the second round without having to struggle in the opening game of the competition.