Novak Djokovic showcased his prowess by winning 14 of the last 17 games to effortlessly defeat Roberto Carballes Baena in straight sets during their second-round match at the French Open.
In a commanding performance, Djokovic broke Carballes Baena’s serve five consecutive times, securing a decisive 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 victory.
Although the unseeded Spaniard put up a tough fight in the first set, even breaking Djokovic’s serve in the opening game, Djokovic quickly retaliated and claimed the crucial break while serving at 5-4 to clinch the first set. This proved to be a pivotal moment as Carballes Baena struggled to recover, leading to his subsequent loss in the second set 6-1.
Their previous encounters on hard courts had similar outcomes, and this match on the Parisian clay was no exception. Djokovic surged ahead 5-1 in the third set, wrapping up the match in a convincing manner.
The defending champion, aiming for his 24th Grand Slam title and fourth crown at Roland Garros, will next face either Gael Monfils or 30th seed Lorenzo Musetti.
In other news, Alexander Zverev also progressed to the third round with a solid 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-2 win over experienced Belgian David Goffin.
Zverev, who had previously eliminated 14-time champion Rafael Nadal in the opening round, overcame a challenging first set tiebreak and broke early in the second set.
Goffin nearly broke Zverev’s serve in the fourth game, but Zverev’s resilient play allowed him to secure the match. Zverev will now face either Italian Luciano Darderi or Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
Fifth seed Daniil Medvedev advanced to the third round after his opponent Miomir Kecmanovic retired during the second set, trailing 6-1, 5-0.
As the tennis world looks ahead to Wimbledon, you can catch all the action from the grass-court season live on Sky Sports. Key events include the Stuttgart Open (ATP 250 with Andy Murray) from June 10-16 and the Rosmalen Open (ATP/WTA 250) from June 10-16.
