World No.1 Novak Djokovic celebrated his return to competition since becoming a father last week with a ruthless 6-3 6-4 second round victory over Germany's Philipp Kolschreiber at the Paris Masters on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old defending champion showed the flashes of brilliance that has made him a seven-time Grand Slam winner against a few signs of rustiness, on the way to a third round meeting against either American 13th seed John Isner or French crowd-pleaser Gael Monfils.
The Serbian, whose wife Jelena gave birth to a baby boy Stefan on November 21 is chasing a third title in Paris after 2009 and 2013, as coach Boris Becker looked on from the animated stands of the Bercy Arena.
Early breaks in both sets set the platform against Kolschreiber, who threw everything but the kitchen sink against his opponent, but found Djokovic in unflappable mood.
"It was very, very good because it's not easy, the first match and being indoors, so I'm very happy," said Djokovic.
"I still don't quite feel 100 per cent physically and the court threw up a lot of high bounces but I played a quality match and was very concentrated.
"It's incredible to be a father and I dedicate this victory to my wife Jelena and Stefan." he added.
Earlier, Spanish veteran Tommy Robredo survived a first round scare before prevailing 6-3 4-6 7-6 (7-5) over Canada's Vasek Pospisil.
Former world No.5 Robredo was evidently still feeling the effects of reaching the final of the Valencia Open on Sunday where he was beaten by Andy Murray in the longest final of the year.
French hopes were badly dented when Shanghai Masters finalist and 15th seed Gilles Simon, crashed out in the second round against Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.
The world number 33 broke in the final game to outlast Simon 6-3 3-6 6-4.
There was some good news for French hopes as Monfils sailed into his meeting against John Isner with a 6-1 6-4 triumph over Portugal's Joao Sousa while Jeremy Chardy, who reached his second career semi-final at Valencia last week, edged compatriot and qualifier Kenny De Schepper 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-4).
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