Federer shines as sun returns at French Open
The world number one beat American journeyman Michael Russell 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in a match which had been held over since Monday, one of many victims of the torrential rain which swamped Paris on the opening two days of the tournament.
Federer led 6-4, 4-1 when play was halted the previous evening, but he took less than 50 minutes to wrap up victory in bright sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier to set up a second round meeting with French wildcard Thierry Ascione.
"The conditions were tough today with the wind and because of the rain over the last few days we haven't had much chance to hit balls," said Federer. "But I was in a comfortable position today. It was a good opening match for me."
Spain's Tommy Robredo, the ninth seed and who could face Federer in the quarterfinals, also went through beating Argentina's Sergio Roitman 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
Argentina's 19th seed Guillermo Canas, playing here for the first time since serving a 15-month doping ban and who has defeated Federer twice this season, was also a first round winner.
Canas, twice a Roland Garros quarterfinalist, defeated Victor Hanescu of Romania 6-3, 6-1, 6-4.
"It's great to be back and playing a Grand Slam after my suspension," said Canas who has battled his way back to 22 in the world after slumping to 514 during his time out. "I always knew I would play again at a Grand Slam tournament. I just didn't know when. So I'm happy to be able to play at my level again."
Men's seventh seed Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia also made it safely through with a 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) win over gritty Frenchman Arnaud Clement.
Later Tuesday, double defending champion Rafael Nadal, opens his campaign against highly-rated Argentinian teenager Juan Martin del Potro.
In the women's championship, where prize money matches the men's for the first time, fourth seed Jelena Jankovic, sixth seed Nicole Vaidisova and 13th seed Elena Dementieva all cruised into the second round.