The French Open witnessed contrasting fortunes for the top seeds. Defending champion Novak Djokovic silenced doubters with a straight-set win (6-4, 6-1, 6-2), extending his Roland Garros last-32 streak to 19 years. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev continued his dominant form, dispatching David Goffin in straight sets (7-6, 6-2, 6-2).
A stroke of luck propelled Daniil Medvedev into the third round as his opponent retired due to injury (6-1, 5-0). Unfazed by rain delays, Grigor Dimitrov secured his third-round spot with a straight-set victory (6-0, 6-3, 6-4).
How far will Djokovic advance in this year’s tournament?
Djokovic Shifts Gears to Claim Another Victory in Paris
After a difficult start to the season, title holder Novak Djokovic had an easy time with Spanish Roberto Carballes Baena to emerge the winner in straight sets (6-4, 6-1, 6-2 at Roland Garros French Open, which was disrupted by rain. To be precise, this triumph means that he will play in the Roland Garros last 32 for the 19th year in a row.
After several tennis experts and pundits questioned Djokovic’s form coming to the event, the world number one was not fazed at all. His words indicate his spirit: ‘’There is always conviction and belief inside of me that I can win a Grand Slam.’’ Djokovic achieved great play in the match against Carballes Baena, yet admitted that there are more rigorous competitors ahead.
As usual, Djokovic remained calm and asserted himself throughout the match despite his weakness in the first set. This clinched him five of Carballes Baena’s service games in the second and third sets, and, depending on the outcome of Friday’s fifth set, he will face Gael Monfils or Lorenzo Musetti.
Turning to the future, Djokovic recognized the importance of driving further enhancements in his performance. “I have to be a little careful,” he said, feeling that he still needs to develop some specific musculature in time for the final stages of the competition.
Also Read: French Open: Grigor Dimitrov Continues Rollercoaster Season With Easy 2nd Round Win
Zverev Cruises Into Third Round at French Open
The German sixth seed, Alexander Zverev, also emerged from the round of sixteen at the French Open with a straight-set win over his opponent, David Goffin, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-2. The initial stretch of the match went to the wire, which went to a tiebreak (7-4).
Zverev upped the ante and attacked the Belgian’s vulnerabilities. In the other sets, the man secured several breaks and came out victorious with a comfortable margin. He now has another stern test against Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor in the third round, minus any distractions, as he eyes the French Open crown despite legal problems awaiting him.
French Open: Medvedev Advances with Walkover, Dimitrov Secures Third-Round Spot
Elsewhere on Thursday, Daniil Medvedev advanced after his opponent Miomir Kecmanovic retired from their match. Russian fifth seed Daniil Medvedev received a stroke of luck, advancing to the third round after his opponent, Miomir Kecmanovic, retired due to an injury during their second-round match. The score stood at 6-1, 5-0 in Medvedev’s favor when Kecmanovic withdrew.
The 2021 US Open champion Medvedev will play Argentine 31st seed Mariano Navone or Czech Tomas Machac next. Meanwhile, Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov secured his spot in the third round before rain disrupted play on the outdoor courts. He dominated his match against Hungarian opponent Fabian Marozsan, winning in convincing straight sets (6-0, 6-3, 6-4).
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