French Open 2015: Roger Federer through to second round with a comfortable win over Alejandro Falla

Roger Federer plays a backhand during his straight sets win over Alejandro Falla in the first round

Seeking his second title at Roland Garros, Roger Federer got his campaign to a perfect start with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over Columbian Alejandro Falla.

The 2009 Champion hit his straps early as he broke the Columbian’s serve and won 76% of his first serves to win the opening set. Falla did have a break point opportunity, but the Columbian failed to convert it. The Swiss made 11 unforced errors and hit 15 winners to seal the first set when Falla netted a backhand.

Federer improved his first serve percentage to 71 % in the second set and made just 5 unforced errors. With two breaks of serve, the No. 2 seed was quickly up two sets to love. Falla did not have a bad game thus far, but Federer played crucial points well and broke his opponent’s serve yet again. The Columbian was looking menacing near the net as he won all eight exchanges with the Swiss maestro.

It isn’t a convincing win, but Federer will take it.

"It's always a pleasure to win here, I've been playing this event for 17 years, not counting juniors," said Federer. "He was a lefty, it was the first round and I didn't want to take too many chances. I'm very content with this win."

Federer’s compatriot Stan Wawrinka reached the second round by dismissing Turkey’s Marsel Ilhan 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. The No. 8 seed hit 42 winners, 10 aces and broke Ilhan’s serve on five occasions.

No. 3 seed in the women’s section of the draw Simona Halep got off to a nervy start in her bid to win her first Grand Slam with a 7-5, 6-4 win against Russia’s Evgeniya Rodina. Roberto Bautista Agut also sailed through to the next round with a 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 win over Germany’s Florian Mayer.

Elias Ymer lost 6-2, 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 to Lukas Rosol. No. 9 seed Ekaterina Makarova beat Louisa Chirico 6-4, 6-2. Serena Williams’ conqueror last year, Garbine Muguruza started with a positive 6-2, 7-5 win over Petra Matric.