Roger Federer equalled Jimmy Connors' record of 233 grand slam match victories with a first-round win over Tobias Kamke at the French Open.
The Swiss was not at his best in his Roland Garros opener but still proved too strong for Germany's Kamke, winning 6-2 7-5 6-3 on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Having cruised through the first set, Federer found himself a break down in the second but he upped his game to break back and then break once more to establish a commanding advantage.
Federer said of equalling Connors' record: "I think that's a big one, because that was longevity. Jimmy is obviously one of the greats of all time, and was around for 20 years.
"I love the big tournaments. I have been so successful for such a long time and to already tie that record, at 30 years old, is pretty incredible, so I'm very happy."
Federer also revealed Connors' record of 109 tournament titles is one he has in his sights, although he is a long way off at the moment on 74.
He said: "Is it possible for me to equal Connors' record? One hundred and ten, that would be a round figure. That would be incredible. But that's a dream."
Federer was not at his best today and had to fight back from a break down in the second set, but he was content with the performance as a first step.
He said: "They're never easy, those first rounds. The last thing you want is to go down a set or get in a tough situation, but I was able to stay ahead in the first set, had some ups and downs on my serve.
"But overall I'm happy I'm through. That's what I look at in the end. Sometimes you have to come through when you're not playing your very best. I missed a few too many shots, but I was always in the lead and could afford to do those."
In the second round Federer will face Romania's Adrian Ungur, who defeated former Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian 6-3 5-7 6-4 7-5 today.
