French Open: Roger Federer storms into third round

Roger Federer recovered from a first-set wobble to cruise into the third round of the French Open with after a rain-hit victory over Alejandro Falla. Defending champion Federer made an error-strewn start to his second outing of this year's tournament, giving his opponent a chance to serve for the first set. But he survived the scare before shrugging off two rain disruptions to win 7-6 6-2 6-4 on Philippe Chatrier Court and set up a clash with Olivier Rochus or Julian Reister. Robin Soderling and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga enjoyed horribly one-sided second-round wins to beat the rain on Suzanne Lenglen Court. Last year's runner-up Soderling was in action for just one hour 11 minutes in his 6-0 6-1 6-1 victory over the hapless Taylor Dent. Seemingly determined to match the feat on the same court, Tsonga's 6-0 6-1 6-4 success against fellow Frenchman Josselin Ouanna lasted only eight minutes longer. Soderling, who also dropped just five games in his first-round win against French wildcard Laurent Recouderc, admitted he could not recall playing a three-set match that finished so quickly. The number eight seed used his post-match press conference today to blast tournament organizers for rejecting his pleas to play on Monday or Tuesday instead. Other players to beat the rain included 10th seed Marin Cilic, who enjoyed a 6-3 7-6 win over Daniel Gimeno-Traver, and 11th seed Mikhail Youzhny, who came from a set down to beat Lukas Lacko 6-7 6-3 6-3 6-2.