France, May 27 -- Top seed Jannik Sinner displayed commendable composure and aplomb on Monday night to quell the partisan centre court crowd on his way to overpowering the Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.

The victory advanced him to a second round match on Thursday against another home favourite Richard Gasquet who will retire from the ATP circuit once he is defeated at the French Open.

"I know the next match is going to be special," said Sinner. "It doesn't get better. Richard gave so much to our sport and gave so much to French tennis.

"I will be happy to play this match. I know the crowd will support him. That's OK. I'm happy to share this match with him."

Gasquet progressed earlier in the day following a four-set victor...