"I was able to practise really good in the past few days, but it was not a long clay-court preparation". It's nice to hear congratulations from great people.
"I'm very happy to be back, maybe a tiny bit more because when I have missed the last three editions, and when you miss something in life, you're happy to be back there again".
Meanwhile, Swiss Roger Federer reached the second round with a 3-0 victory in the first round over Lorenzo Sonego. I know when Wimbledon comes around, I'll be probably a higher favourite.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion won in straight sets 6-2, 6-4, 6-4.
Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber and Venus Williams made first round exits from the French Open yesterday.
Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam victor, succumbed 6-4, 6-2 at Stade Roland Garros.
The world No. 3, who broke serve five times and fired 36 winners past his 73rd-ranked opponent, said: "Thanks for the welcome".
Important is to enter in the French Open having full tank because it's gonna require a lot of energy and I am ready for it but point for point mentality, match by match.
At the heart of the Jardin des Serres botanical exhibition, Roland Garros's new Simonne Mathieu court offers a green experience in tennis' capital of red dirt. Kerber's career Grand Slam dream over for this year as she failed to return to form after illness and injury-marred weeks.
Spain's Garbine Muguruza, the 2016 champion, had the honor of opening proceedings on the new court against America's Taylor Townsend.
"It's cute", said the Spaniard. "That's okay, too. I'm happy with where I am".
The defending semi-finalist on the French clay, Marco Cecchinato is the last ATP man to defeat the World Number one, Novak Djokovic on in Grand Slams.
The world number 109 beat Frenchman Ugo Humbert in four sets, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (12), 6-3.
Canada teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew from the tournament with a thigh injury, just a day after finishing runner-up to Benoit Paire in Lyon.
The only Australian in action on day one was 19-year-old wildcard recipient Alexi Popyrin.
Another one, second seeded Czech Karolina Pliskova, closes play on Chatrier against American Madison Brengle.
However, Muguruza soon righted the ship in the second with an early break, and levelled things with the set, 6-2.
