Gael Monfils eases past Fabio Fognini in Montreal

Gael Monfils has reached the second round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal courtesy of a 6-3 6-1 victory over Fabio Fognini.

After rain delayed the start of the match, Fognini looked to put early pressure on the Monfils serve as he tried to gain an advantage.

Instead, it was the 28-year-old who would break his Italian opponent in the fifth game of the set, while an unforced error then presented Monfils with a 4-2 lead.

Fognini continued to create break-point opportunities, but the 15th seed saved six break points on his serve before another error at 5-3, from the world number 27, gifted the set to the Frenchman.

The Italian right-hander then called for the trainer prior to the second set as he showed visible signs of discomfort in his right wrist.

Fognini was able to continue, but fell further behind as Monfils broke again at the start of the second set.

The Frenchman cruised towards victory as he claimed another break on Fognini's crumbling serve before sealing the second set 6-1.

Monfils will now meet Gilles Muller in round two after the Luxembourg player beat home favourite Philip Bester in straight sets.