PARIS – South Africa’s top-ranked men’s singles player Kevin Anderson won his first-round match in straight sets against Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri 7-6 6-3 7-6 in the French Open at Roland Garros on Tuesday.
Anderson, at 56th in the rankings and known for his booming service game, sent down 13 aces and won 80 percent of points on his first serve.
The 31-year-old will now face controversial 18th seed Nick Kyrgios of Australia in the next round on Thursday.
Kyrgios got off to a good start at Roland Garros as well, getting the better of Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany 6-3 7-6 6-3.
Meanwhile, South African doubles specialist Raven Klaasen, along with American partner Rajeev Ram were also victorious in the men’s doubles on Tuesday.
The pair beat French duo Kenny de Schepper and Vincent Millot in straight sets 7-6 6-2.
Klaasen and Ram will face Roman Jebavy and Jiri Vesely, both of the Czech Republic, in the next round.