• French Open, Day Four: What They Said

What They Said: Federer beats rain, Williams likes win

David Ferrer cruised past Albert Montanes © AP

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Roger Federer safely made it through to the third round, and the Swiss was in a hurry to complete his match to fend off the challenge of another opponent. Rain.

"'I tried to finish the match quite quickly, because I was afraid it would rain. So I was very focused, and I'm very happy for that," Federer said.

Serena Williams coasted to victory over Caroline Garcia, and the American said: "It's important for me to win easily. It's also important for me to play well. If I play well, it will bode well for me at Roland Garros."

Heather Watson was beaten in three sets by Stefanie Voegele but the Brit was taking positives from what was her first match since March on account of a bout of glandular fever.

"I am glad to be out again as I kind of forgot how much it hurts to lose, so I was disappointed," Watson said. "I thought I played well and hit through the ball, but I think the difference was unforced errors. I made a lot today, which is not my usual self. I found it hard to string points to together, but I have a match under my belt.

"I felt a lot better than I had this year, I was enjoying it. I have a lot of work to do on my fitness. It has been tough but I wanted to get out of here and play. I will now look to keep playing, get in the gym and prepare for the grass season."

Victoria Azarenka eased her way into the tournament with a 6-1 6-4 win over Elena Vesnina and the No. 3 seed was delighted to get some play under her belt following Tuesday's rain delay.

"It was important to finally start the tournament," Azarenka said. "I felt like I'm one of the last ones. It was a long wait. I was surprised Elena wasn't seeded. We know each other pretty well so it was important to have determination and good focus. She has a very flashy game. On Tuesday I had a hit and then was chilling the whole day, watching The Voice. I was so entertained."

David Ferrer is fancied to go deep into the tournament and he cruised to a 6-2 6-1 6-3 win over fellow Spaniard Albert Montanes.

"It was a pleasant match and the score doesn't really show that it was easy," Ferrer said. "We had long rallies and I'm very satisfied."

Agnieszka Radwanska has been nursing a shoulder problem in recent weeks and she was delighted to get past Mallory Burdette in straight sets

"Well it's up and down, but definitely it's a little bit worse on clay," Radwanska said. "So it was good for couple months but now the inflammation is [back again. But] I think I'm used to the pain. Definitely now I'm ready to go and I'm 100% fit."

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga took time to warm up but he turned on the style in the second and third sets to beat Jarkko Nieminen

"It was difficult conditions and the wind was strong, but it was nice playing in front of the kids," Tsonga said. I did not play my best tennis, but I I capitalised on the opportunities I did have. It was not easy, Nieminen is a good player and very fast. I am improving and the better the player I usually play better."

Gael Monfils joined Tsonga in the third round, and the Frenchman is enjoying the current event.

"It's a great feeling in my home town. I'm very tired at night-time and exhausted in the morning. My body feels heavier. But I never give up. My parents say to me, 'don't think about it. Do it. Don't think. Do it.' Deep inside my dream is to win a slam and deep inside I know I can make it - now, next month, whenever. I will wait for my time," Monfils said.

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