PARIS — Only a short time after reaching yet another tennis milestone, Roger Federer was stumped.

He had just won his 233rd match at a Grand Slam tournament, equaling the Open era record set by Jimmy Connors, and he couldn’t remember whom he had beaten to get that first victory.

“Well, I should (know), shouldn’t I?” Federer said after defeating Tobias Kamke of Germany 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 Monday in the first round of the French Open. “I know it was in Australia, but I can’t remember who I was playing.”

He was then reminded that it was Michael Chang.

“Oh, was it?” Federer said, a bit surprised. “Well, that was a beautiful victory, then.”

Whether it was or not, that win in 2000 started Federer on a career that has seen him win a record 16 Grand Slam titles and garner a slew of other records along the way.

And he’s only 30.

“I obviously love the big tournaments,” Federer said. “I have been so successful for such a long time and to already tie that record — 30 years old is pretty incredible, so I’m very happy.”

Besides Federer, top-ranked Novak Djokovic advanced to the second round on Day 2 of the French Open. Djokovic, who is trying to win his fourth straight Grand Slam title, beat Potito Starace of Italy 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-1.

In the women’s tournament, top-ranked Victoria Azarenka won 12 of the final 14 games to come back and beat Alberta Brianti of Italy 6-7 (6), 6-4, 6-2. Defending champion Li Na also progressed, along with No. 3 Agnieszka Radwanska.

On Tuesday, defending champion Rafael Nadal will begin his quest for a record-breaking seventh title at Roland Garros. On the women’s side, 13-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams and second-seeded Maria Sharapova are scheduled to be in action.

For Federer, this year’s French Open is his 52nd major tournament, and 50th in a row. Just more stats to show how consistent the Swiss star has been over the last dozen years.

“When you look at the tournaments like this and you step back, you realize you have been playing for quite a long time,” Federer said. “When I started, I loved playing against those famous players I used to see on TV. Now I’m playing against younger players, a new generation. It’s also very nice.”