Defending champion Novak Djokovic moved effectively via the gears as soon as once more to beat Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena and attain the French Open third spherical.
Serbia’s Djokovic, 37, cruised to a 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory on one other rain-soaked day in Paris.
It ensured he has reached the final 32 on the clay-court Grand Slam for the nineteenth consecutive 12 months.
Query marks surrounded the three-time champion and his kind when he arrived at Roland Garros following a turbulent 12 months.
“There may be at all times conviction and perception inside me [that] I can win a Grand Slam,” mentioned Djokovic, who has not reached a last this season.
“That is the explanation why I am nonetheless competing at this stage. That is why I am right here.
“At this age I would not actually be competing on the Slams and persevering with to play skilled tennis if I did not consider that I possess the standard to go all the way in which to the title match.”
Djokovic performed arguably a few of his finest tennis of the 12 months in opposition to 63rd-ranked Carballes Baena, however is aware of more durable assessments lie forward.
Like in his opening match in opposition to France’s Pierre-Hugues Herbert, he was not totally stretched however improved his stage to win once more in straight units.
Enjoying below the roof on Court docket Philippe Chatrier, Djokovic misplaced serve within the first recreation of the match earlier than his recreation warmed up within the cool situations.
One of many hallmarks of Djokovic’s success has been the flexibility to strike when it issues most.
After hitting straight again for 1-1, and being unable to transform any of 4 break factors at 2-1, he upped his stage once more to interrupt Carballes Baena when the Spaniard needed to serve to remain within the set.
On the day when the French Open requested followers to indicate extra respect, Djokovic additionally needed to ask the umpire to make sure the group remained quiet throughout factors.
That led to a refrain of whistles, however Djokovic responded with a smile as he took management of the second set.
He continued to dominate the rallies and slap winners, breaking 5 extra instances to arrange a third-round match with thirtieth seed Lorenzo Musetti.
Italian Musetti defeated dwelling hope Gael Monfils 7-5 6-1 6-4 within the evening session on Court docket Philippe Chatrier afterward Thursday.
On his kind, Djokovic added: “I’ve to maintain my expectations a bit decrease.
“I am being very acutely aware of the current second and what must be achieved every day to construct my kind – then peak on the proper time when it issues essentially the most.”