Paris, May 27:

Marat Safin of Russia easily advanced to the second round of the French Open, beating Fernando Vicente of Spain 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 on Sunday before rain halted play on the opening day of the tournament.

The two-time Grand Slam champion, who has not won consecutive matches since March, hit two aces in his opening service game en route to taking eight straight games until Vicente broke him in the third game of the second set. “I really love to play on clay,” said Safin, who praised Roland Garros. “It’s my place. Great court, good bounce, great people.”

The 22nd-seeded Russian converted eight of 14 break points, and his confidence showed in the first game of the third set. He attempted a drop shot that was too short, giving Vicente an easy winner. But instead of trying to retrieve the shot, Safin turned his back and walked away — knowing he could afford to concede the point.