French Open: Rafael Nadal starts bid for title No 12 in style with win over Yannick Hanfmann

The No 2 seed cruises through in straight sets against qualifier

Rafael Nadal is through to the second round of the French Open. Reuters

Rafael Nadal began his bid for a record-extending 12th French Open title in ominous fashion on Monday.

The No 2 seed proved too strong for world No 180 Yannick Hanfmann as he cruised through 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 in an one-sided encounter.

Hanfmann was a qualifier and the Spaniard next faces another qualifier in either Yannick Maden or Kimmer Copejans in the second round.

Meanwhile, in the women's draw, 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki has been knocked out in the first round.

She lost 0-6, 6-3, 6-3 to Veronika Kudermetova in the opening match of the day on Court Philippe Chatrier.