Showing few signs of the years that have passed since he made his first appearance here fifteen years ago, Andre Agassi today gave newcomer Karol Beck of Slovakia a tennis lesson on the Philippe Chartrier centre court.
The second seed and 1999 champion eased into the second round with a straightforward 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 win over 21-year-old Roland Garros debutant Beck, in 1hr 35min.
Beck, who was just six years old when Agassi began plying his trade on the clay courts of Paris, seemed overawed by the occasion committing 68 unforced errors, almost twice that of his illustrious opponent.
Despite a hiccup while serving for the match with two double faults, the 33-year-old held firm to take the tie on his fourth match point.
"It's not how you want to finish a match, maybe I was a little anxious," said Agassi, who admitted that the nerves don't go away despite the experience.
"It's always precarious starting a tournament and especially this one."
But he admitted that he never felt in such good form.
"I feel a lot younger on the court than off the court," said Agassi.
"When I'm on the court I feel good. When I'm off and carrying my baby around and pulling the hair out of my ears I feel older," he joked.
"I felt comfortable. I've played a fair amount of matches this year. For me it's better to come here fresh and fit and anxious to get comfortable.
"I'm stronger when it comes to numbers in the gym and numbers on the scale. Fitness is not just about how you work but how you're prepared, but I feel as ready if not more ready than I've ever been."
Agassi's chances of going through were boosted by the surprise early exit of former finalist Alex Corretja to fellow Spaniard Galo Blanco.
The American next meets Croatia's Mario Ancic who advanced after Chile's former world number one Marcelo Rios retired while trailing 6-1, 1-0.
And Agassi, the recently-crowned Australian Open champion, admitted that winning eight Grand Slam titles had not dulled his appetite for success.
"It was the greatest moment for me (winning here in 1999). It was special after having waited 10 years to win. But I'm here again and still really want to win, but you have to go out there and earn it and hope that things go your way," he added.
AFP