Roger Federer made a winning return to the French Open with a dominant first-round victory over Lorenzo Sonego. The Swiss 20-time Grand Slam winner, playing at Roland Garros for the first time in four years, beat the Italian 6-2 6-4 6-4.
He arrived to a standing ovation on Philippe Chatrier court and left with the crowd on their feet in delight. The 37-year-old will play German lucky loser Oscar Otte, ranked 145th in the world, in the second round. “I knew I can play very well on clay and I am very happy I did it in straight sets today,” Federer said.
“I missed the French crowd so thanks for the warm welcome today.”