Oxfordshire's Tim Henman showed no mercy as he despatched Juan-Pablo Brzezicki 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 in the French Open first round.

The British No 1, who lives at Aston Tirrold, near Didcot, recorded as routine a first-round victory as you are likely to witness at a Grand Slam event.

The occasion proved too much for the Argentine, who had been given his big chance when Henman's original opponent, Italian Potito Starace, pulled out with an ankle injury.

Henman could hardly have hoped for an easier start in his attempt to emulate last year's adventure when he proceeded to the semi-finals before losing to another Argentine, although in that case one with a considerably superior clay-court pedigree in Guillermo Coria.

And he admitted the memories of that achievement had filled him with a warm glow on a chill and blustery day at Paris's Roland Garros on which the seventh seed was consigned to Court Seven.

"Some might say there's going to be added pressure and expectation," said Henman. "But it was really a lot of fun to come here and get back into surroundings that I had so many great memories from 12 months ago. That helps.

"I was pretty happy with the way I was able to dominate most of the match. There are areas I can play better.

"But when you get through the first match in straight sets you really can't have too many complaints."

In the second round, Henman plays Luis Horna, of Peru, a man who he has never played before.

"It's going to be difficult," said Henman. "He's competitive and confident on this surface. It will be who can play their match in their own style.

"If I move forward and be aggressive I'm going to have my best opportunity."