Tonight was as straightforward and simple a win as many expected it would be for Jannik Sinner, who got his Roland Garros campaign off to the perfect start.
Facing a Frenchman in France can pose a tricky task for most players on tour, given how volatile the crowd can get at times.
However, the Italian simply never even gave them a chance to get into the match, breaking instantly and never looking back.
This marks the start of what many are expecting to be one of the most uncomplicated runs to a Grand Slam title ever, although that expectation does bring its own pressure.
Jannik Sinner spoke afterwards on court about how it feels to be back on Philippe Chatrier, a year after he lost dramatically in the final.
Jannik Sinner chats about Gael Monfils after his first-round match at Roland Garros
He began by assessing his performance and expressing his emotions upon returning to Paris.
Sinner stated: “First of all I am very happy to be back here. It’s a very special place and great memories overall. I am trying to do my best. First round matches are never easy, but even more special to start the tournament in a night session.
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“Thanks for coming, but thanks for also being very fair to me. I know I played against a French player, so thank you.
Then, asked about Gael Monfils’ tribute yesterday after playing his last-ever Roland Garros match, Sinner added: “I watched. It was very emotional, of course, and I guess also for you guys because he gave so much for France itself and also for us.
“Back in the days when I was still very, very young I came on tour, and he was always very humble, and I felt something very special in his personality. He gave so much energy on and off the court, and it’s a pity not to have him any more.
“I hope to see him still around tennis courts. I know it’s not easy when you play for years to come back, but we all hope we can see him in the stands.
“His wife is still playing, so I wish them only the best, and a new chapter is starting, so we all wish him only the best.”
Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal all sent messages to Monfils during that aforementioned tribute.
Jannik Sinner’s head-to-head record against Gael Monfils
Despite the huge age gap between them, Monfils and Sinner actually faced one another on six occasions.
And, much like most other players on the ATP Tour, the head-to-head is massively skewed in favour of the world number one.
Very few of their clashes ever had huge consequences, although they did meet in a final once.
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Sinner came out on top on that occasion in Sofia.
Sinner also won their only ever Grand Slam meeting at the US Open in 2021.
Meanwhile, Monfils enjoyed his only ever victory against the 24-year-old in Vienna, seven years ago.