PARIS — Rafael Nadal has improved his career record at the French Open to 22-0 by winning his rain-delayed first-round match.

The three-time reigning champion beat qualifier Thomaz Bellucci of Brazil 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 today in a match that was suspended yesterday after only two games because of bad weather.

"In two days I only practiced 20 minutes," said Nadal, adding the windy conditions were tough. "Difficult to go to the court and have a good rhythm. And first match, always you are nervous."

Nadal, seeded No. 2 behind Roger Federer, is trying to become the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1978-81 to win the clay-court Grand Slam tournament four years in a row.

Bellucci was playing in his first main-draw match at a major.

Nadal's next opponent is another qualifier, Nicolas Devilder of France.