Federer, Serena through to third round at French Open
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Roger Federer of Switzerland acknowledges spectators after defeating Somdev Devvarman of India in their men's singles match during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris May 29, 2013.[Photo/Agencies]
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PARIS - Second seed Roger Federer crushed Somdev Devvarman 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of the French Open while women's world No. 1 Serena Williams also reached the third round with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Caroline Garcia here on Wednesday.
Federer took less than 90 minutes to dispose of the Indian qualifier, who never looked like having a chance of winning.
The Swiss super star will next take on 30th seed Julien Benneteau.
"It's great that all the work is paying off and I hope to keep experiencing this as long as possible," said Federer. "Next up it's Benneteau, a good friend. We have met a few times - he beat me at Rotterdam earlier this year."
William's win over Frenchwoman Garcia helped to extend her winning run to 26 matches.
"It's important for me to win easily," she said. "It's also important for me to play well. If I play well, it will bode well for me at Roland Garros."
She will meet world 26th seed Sorana Cirstea, who defeated Johanna Larsson 6-1, 6-4.
Former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus eased into the second round after a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Elena Vesnina.
The twice Australian Open champion Azarenka needed just an hour and 18 minutes to dispose of the Russian.
The 23-year-old said, "It was great to start and there were some tough points, especially for a first round match. I want to be able to slide better on the clay, especially on the left foot as well as the right. That's my goal this year."
She will face Germany's Annika Beck - the 2012 junior champion - in the second round.
French No. 1 player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the sixth seed, defeated Finnish veteran Jarkko Nieminen, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, 6-3.
Another Frenchman Gael Monfils also advanced to the third round after securing a 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 victory over Ernests Gulbis.
Fourth seed Ferrer, a semifinalist at Roland Garros last year, impressed with a comfortable straight sets victory against compatriot Albert Montanes, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3.
He will next face his fellow countryman Feliciano Lopez, who made it through the last 32 thanks to a four-set victory against Portuguese player Joao Sousa 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Elsewhere, 10th seed Marin Cilic overpowered Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios, the world number 262, in straight sets 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.
