Andy Murray is eager to avoid any marathon matches in the early rounds of the French Open as he believes it is essential to save energy for later in the tournament.
Murray was drawn into two five-setters last year against Philipp Kohlschreiber and Gael Monfils, and while he came through both, the Scot then crashed out in straight sets to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.
Portugal's Joao Sousa awaits on Thursday and conserving energy could be particularly important given Murray's potential round three opponent, Nick Kyrgios, will have enjoyed three extra days rest.
Kyrgios beat Denis Istomin in straight sets on Monday and was handed a walkover in the second round after Britain's Kyle Edmund was forced to withdraw with an abdominal injury.
"The number one goal is to get through. That's the most important thing," Murray said.
"But if you can play well too, that builds confidence for later in the event.
"And also, if you aren't playing well in the early rounds, often you have to spend a lot more time on the court, because everyone you play in these events are very tough opponents.
"If you get dragged into five-set matches or long four-set matches because you're not playing that well, there are consequences.
"You can get tired later in the tournament if that happens.
"So ideally you want to win as best you can and hopefully play well from the beginning."
Murray must first overcome Sousa, who has never made it past the first round at Roland Garros and who lost to Djokovic in straight sets last year.
The duo have played each other five times before, all on hard courts, with Murray winning every time and yet to drop a set.
"I have been playing good tennis, so I feel confident for the match with Andy," said Sousa, who beat Canada's Vasek Pospisil in round one.
"I have played him many times before but never on clay so I'm going to prepare as best I can to play a good match."
In the women's draw, Britain's Heather Watson is hoping to reach the third round for the first time by beating American Sloane Stephens.
Watson has an excellent record against Stephens, having played her four times and won on each occasion including a 6-3 6-1 victory in Hobart earlier this year.
"Whenever I've played her I've always played very well and been in good form." Watson said.
"She's a very good player so I'm going to have to make sure I'm in as good a form as have been before.
"She's not just an aggressive player, she's very aggressive and she's a great mover.
"If I'm going to win tomorrow I'm going to have to win the points, she's not going to give me any away for free."
Watson insisted the tape strapped to her right arm on Wednesday was only "precautionary" as she and partner Marina Erakovic lost in the first round of the doubles.
Edmund's withdrawal meanwhile puts an end to hopes of an all-British third round clash with Murray.
The 20-year-old, who enhanced his reputation with a five-set win over France's Stephane Robert in round one, will now focus on getting fit for the grass-court season.
Source: PA
