Carlos Alcaraz got the defence of his French Open title up and running with a straight-sets win over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, looking for a second Roland Garros crown and a fifth grand slam title, won 6-3 6-4 6-2 in just under two hours.

Alcaraz was consigned to play on Court Suzanne-Longlen, presumably because he prefers not to play later in day, which he may have had to on the main court, Phillipe-Chatrier.

He also had to deal with a late change in opponent, having originally been drawn against former world number four Kei Nishikori.

“I think it was really, really solid,” he said. “The first round for every tournament is never easy and probably coming here as defending champion, it could be even tougher.

“But I just started pretty well, I kept my good pace during the match, which is great.

“I tried to be really focused on my game

“Hopefully I’ll keep going in the next round but I’m just really, really proud about my start here in Roland Garros.”

Former finalist Casper Ruud also got off to a flying start, the Norwegian seventh seed disposing of Spanish qualifier Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3 6-4 6-2.

The first shock in the men’s draw saw world number four Taylor Fritz knocked out by Daniel Altmaier.

American Fritz lost 12 of the last 16 games against the German world number 47 in a 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-1 defeat.

Fritz’s demise means Britain’s Jack Draper has climbed above him to fourth in the world in the live ATP rankings.

In the WTA draw, Spain’s Paula Badosa said she was inspired by Rafael Nadal’s footprint as she came from a set down to knock out former world number one Naomi Osaka 6-7 (1) 6-1 6-4.

A plaque featuring the sole of 14-time champion Nadal’s trainer, the Roland Garros men’s trophy and the number 14 was unveiled on the side of Court Philippe-Chatrier at his tribute ceremony on Sunday night.

“I have to say that when I was 7-6 down the first thing I did was to look over there,” said Badosa, pointing to the footprint.

“I’m like ‘come on Paula, you have to fight like him’. Thanks Rafa. We really miss you.”

In the night match, world number one Jannik Sinner made his return to grand slam tennis after a three-month doping ban and overcame Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 6-4 6-3 7-5.

The Italian will face another home favourite, the veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet who is retiring after the tournament, in round two.