The Spaniard did not seem to feel the slightest bit of pain in his first clay fight in Paris. He didn’t want to drag on the field, obviously saving himself at the start of the tournament.

He gave Thompson just two plays in the first set, pocketing the 6-2 in 41 minutes. The eighth only lasted … 93 seconds.

Nadal then broke his opponent’s serve to control the game in the second set.

Thompson still showed more fighting spirit, especially in the third game of the second end which he won in 7 min 27 s to lead 2-1.

But Nadal’s experience and patience prevailed to help him win the engagement 6-2, in 39 minutes.

The Australian did not give up on the pleasure of the majority. He gave his opponent a hard time, especially in the fifth game Nadal won, but after a 7:32 effort, to lead 3-2.

Despite Thompson’s determination, the Spaniard won the last five games to claim the final set 6-2, in 42 minutes, and the game in 2:02.

Nadal will face in the second round Frenchman Corentin Moutet, 139th in the ATP rankings, who beat Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in four sets on Monday, who will return to competition this spring after a long break of 18 months.

More details will follow.