Defending champion Novak Djokovic was very briefly made to work arduous by unseeded Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena earlier than sealing a routine 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory and motoring into the French Open third spherical on Thursday.
Djokovic has been a way from his convincing finest in an erratic season the place he’s bidding to win a document twenty fifth Grand Slam title and the top-seeded Serbian was dragged right into a battle by Carballes Baena after recovering an early break.
Having nosed forward on serve within the ninth recreation, the 37-year-old Djokovic arrange break level with an enormous overhead smash after a 24-shot rally and pounced to take the primary set as spectators on Philippe Chatrier sensed a return to a extra acquainted degree.
“There’s at all times conviction and perception inside me that I can win a Grand Slam,” Djokovic mentioned. “That’s the rationale I’m nonetheless competing at this degree. That’s why I’m right here.
“At this age I wouldn’t be competing on the Grand Slams and persevering with to play skilled tennis if I didn’t imagine I possess high quality to go all the way in which to the title match.
“I nonetheless in fact sense that I’ve the sport and I’ve the products to go far.”
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Djokovic moved up a number of notches within the subsequent set for a 4-0 lead earlier than his 31-year-old opponent even acquired on the board and the three-times Roland Garros champion tightened his vice-like grip on the competition in double fast time.
The pair’s earlier two encounters had been each at hardcourt Grand Slams however the end result was no totally different on Parisian clay as Djokovic sauntered forward 5-1 within the third set and wrapped up the victory in fashion.
Regardless of the near-flawless show, Djokovic confused that he would proceed retaining expectations low as he prepares to battle Frenchman Gael Monfils or Italian Lorenzo Musetti.
“In fact, hopes and beliefs and convictions are at all times there, at all times excessive, and I at all times intention for the very best star,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I’m being aware of the current second and what must be finished day by day to construct my type because the event progresses after which peak on the proper time when it issues probably the most.”