MONTE CARLO — Rafa Nadal returned to one of his favorite hunting grounds to thrash Frenchman Lucas Pouille at the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday as his build-up to the French Open began.
The Spaniard, who will be looking for a 10th Roland Garros title next month, enjoyed a 6-2 6-1 second-round victory.
The world number five, who has ruled in Monte Carlo a record eight times, will next face either American 15th seed John Isner or Serbian Viktor Troicki in the third round.
Nadal, who has struggled for his best form so far this year after battling a wrist injury and appendicitis last year, was totally dominant, converted four of his seven break points and won 75 percent of his service points.