Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer record in French Open win
Novak Djokovic has become just the second man in history to notch 70 wins at each of tennis’ grand slam tournaments.
The World No.1 barely broke a sweat in reaching the French Open third round with a 6-1 6-2 6-2 thrashing of Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis on Thursday.
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Some rare sunshine bathed the Court Phillipe Chatrier but it was dull viewing for the few spectators allowed in to watch the 33-year-old glide effortlessly through.
The opening set was done and dusted in just 22 minutes as Djokovic won the last 10 points, and the second set was only marginally more competitive.
Berankis, ranked 66th, needed court-side treatment on his back before the start of the third set but got back to his feet to endure more punishment from the clinical Serb.
Djokovic, bidding for his second French Open crown and 18th Grand Slam title, has dropped 10 games in two rounds so far and occasionally looked bored on Thursday, taking the opportunity to practise his drop shot on numerous occasions.
He finished it off after only 83 minutes with his 10th ace.
The victory gave Djokovic his 70th career win at Roland Garros, the Serb joining Roger Federer as the only male players in the Open era to achieve that feat at all four majors.
Djokovic and Federer are in joint-second place on the all-time list for singles matches won at the French Open.
Rafael Nadal has 95 from 97 matches played.
“Winning that many matches on each slam is a great achievement, and of course it makes me proud, makes me happy,” Djokovic said post-match.
“It's kind of a confirmation for me that I have been able to play my best tennis throughout my career on the biggest tournaments.”
Tsitsipas cruises as Shapovalov crashes out
Meanwhile, fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was equally clinical in his 6-1 6-4 6-2 win over Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas after rallying from two sets down to beat Spaniard Jaume Munar in round one.
But it was the end of the road for Canadian Denis Shapovalov who twice served for the match against Roberto Carballes Baena before losing 7-5 6-7(5) 6-3 3-6 8-6.
Italian Matteo Berrettini reached the third round for the second time to equal his best Roland Garros result with a 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-3 victory over Lloyd Harris.
And Marc Polmans’ plucky French Open foray is over, but not before the Australian scared world No.19 and clay court specialist Cristian Garin in a four-set, second-round loss.
The last remaining Australian had the 20th seed on the ropes but was broken serving for a two sets to one lead, Garin eventually prevailing 6-7 (7-5) 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 in close to four hours.
But his impressive first-round win over French talent Ugo Humbert - Polmans’ first top 50 scalp - and his showing against a man who has won two tournaments and gone 13-3 on clay this year shows he deserves credit.
“When you get a bit lucky, you take your opportunities and I'm glad it paid off and now I can build on this and push that ranking towards the top 100,” he said.
“My coaches have been telling me my game is there now; it's up to me to believe that, and I do.
“I've played my share of top-100 players and walked away with a couple of wins.
“It's up to me to mentally believe it and today will help my confidence, it's growing.”
with agencies
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