A convincing victory for Novak in the second round of the French Open.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic booked a third round spot at Roland-Garros with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Roberto Carballes Baena (ATP no.63) on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Thursday.
The match lasted two hours and four minutes.
Despite suffering a break in the opening game, Novak immediately bounced back to level the score at 1-1. The Spaniard put up a strong resistance until the 10th game, when the Serbian star broke his serve to clinch the set.
Djokovic elevated his performance to an impeccable level in the second set, dominating the court with relentless precision. He raced to a 4-0 lead with two breaks of serve. Although his rival managed to break back once, Novak responded with another break for 6-1.
Carballes Baena appeared powerless against a highly focused and energetic Novak in the third set. The top seed exhibited superb movement and was dominant in all aspects of the game, closing out the match in impressive style.
“I’m glad that I came through the opening two rounds in straight sets,” Djokovic said. “Again at the beginning, in the first set, I was challenged. He was playing very well, aggressive from the start. It took me a little bit of time to start swinging through the ball a bit more loose. Crucial break to clinch the first set. After that, the second and third set really went my way.”
Match statistics: aces (5-2), double faults (1-3), winners (43-20), unforced errors (24-23), total points won (92-59).
The world no.1 goes on to face Lorenzo Musetti (30) for a place in the last 16. The Italian defeated Gael Monfils (FRA) in the second round without losing a set.
Photo: Profimedia
