French Open: 'It's nice to be an outsider,' says Roger Federer following 4-year absence from clay-court

Roger Federer counts himself as an "outsider" for the French Open title this year and says he is not merely trying to temper expectations on his return to the clay-court Grand Slam following a four-year absence.

The 37-year-old, whose previous appearance at Roland Garros came in 2015, beat Italy's Lorenzo Sonego 6-2 6-4 6-4 on Sunday in his first match back on the red clay in Paris to ease into the second round.

Moins d'une heure avant le début des matchs du Jour 2 ! 

Avant de se lancer, revivons la journée d'hier en 10 chiffres #RG19

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2019

The Swiss is seeded third behind Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic but is only fifth-favorite for the title with most bookmakers giving Austria's Dominic Thiem and Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas a better chance of victory.

"It's nice to be an outsider. That's how I feel, anyhow," Federer told reporters after his win.

"This is not a show I'm putting on. This is the truth. I really don't know how far I can go to this event, and I am very happy with my first round.

"It was a really good performance, I thought, from my side for not having played here for as long as I did."

The 20-times Grand Slam winner, who won his only title at Roland Garros in 2009, says he is enjoying being under the radar a little bit.

There is much to be learned from Roger Federer's return to Roland-Garros.

Break it Down  https://t.co/GnikWuQm0i #RG19 pic.twitter.com/VvfbVZbUDu

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2019

"I feel like if I lost first round or in the finals or wherever it is (this year), people would be like, 'Okay, that could have happened.'

"I like that approach for me once in a while. It relaxes you on the bigger points maybe or it relaxes you subconsciously as you walk through the grounds and go to practice and go to the press room.

"I know when Wimbledon comes around I'll be probably a higher favourite. That's okay, too. I'm happy with where I am."

Federer will meet German Oscar Otte in the second round.