28. 05. 2010. ·
World no. 3 Novak Djokovic, 2007 and 2008 semi-finalist (l. to Nadal), converted 6 of his 14 break point chances against world no.246 Kei Nishikori of Japan in second round action at Roland Garros on Friday to advance 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Djokovic raced through the first set. A backhand drop-shot earned him three break points against the Nishikori serve in the fourth game. He used the third chance and then held to extend his lead to 4-1. Nishikori was broken once again and no.3 seed took the set 6-1 in 29 minutes.
Novak made a break in the fifth game of the second set and held to increase his lead to 4-2. Nishikori failed to capitalise on two break points in the eighth game, but Djokovic double faulted to hand him a third chance, which the Japanese used to equalise to 4-4. Nole broke back immediately and converted his fourth set point for 6-4 after 73 minutes.
The 23-year-old Belgrade native broke his opponent’s serve in the opening game of the third set, but Nishikori fought back to level the result. Djokovic saved four break points in the eighth game before earning a decisive break in the next, giving himself a chance to serve the match out at 5-4.
Match statistics: aces (3-1), double faults (9-1), winners (31-33), unforced errors (24-21)
In the third round Djokovic will challenge no.31 seed Romanian Victor Hanescu, a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 winner over Yuri Schukin of Kazakhstan.
Novak leads their head-to-heads 3-0, this will be their first match on clay.
The match is scheduled on Saturday.
